At MedicsPro, our experienced team of professional recruiters ensures that we match qualified sonographers with locum and permanent roles worldwide.

We Offer:

• A dedicated compliance officer
• A market-leading referral scheme
• Access to exclusive ultrasound vacancies
• Expert consultative service
• Opportunities across the UK, Scotland, Ireland and Wales.
• Preferred supply status with numerous NHS and private healthcare providers
• Weekly payroll

What is General Ultrasound Imaging?

Conventional ultrasound produces images in thin, flat sections of the body. Recent advancements in ultrasound technology include three-dimensional (3-D) ultrasound, which transforms sound wave data into 3-D images.

A Doppler ultrasound may be included as part of an ultrasound examination.

Doppler ultrasound is a specialised technique that assesses the movement of materials within the body, enabling doctors to visualise and evaluate blood flow through arteries and veins.

There are three types of Doppler ultrasound:

• Colour Doppler utilises a computer to convert Doppler measurements into a spectrum of colours, illustrating the speed and direction of blood flow within a blood vessel.
• Power Doppler is a more recent technique that offers enhanced sensitivity compared to colour Doppler, providing greater detail of blood flow, especially in cases of low or minimal flow. However, Power Doppler does not indicate the direction of blood flow, which can be crucial in some scenarios.
• Spectral Doppler presents blood flow measurements graphically, showing the distance travelled per unit of time instead of using colour imagery. It can also convert blood flow information into distinct sounds that correspond with each heartbeat.

What are some common applications of the procedure?

Ultrasound examinations can assist in diagnosing various conditions and evaluating organ damage resulting from illness.

Doctors utilise ultrasound to assess:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Infection

Ultrasound is an effective method for examining numerous internal organs in the body, including but not limited to:

• Heart and blood vessels, including the abdominal aorta and its major branches
• Liver
• Gallbladder
• Spleen
• Pancreas
• Kidneys
• Bladder
• Uterus, ovaries, and unborn child (foetus) in pregnant patients
• Eyes
• Thyroid and parathyroid glands
• Scrotum (testicles)
• Brain in infants
• Hips in infants
• Spine in infants

Additionally, ultrasound is employed to:

• Guide procedures such as needle biopsies, where needles extract cells from an abnormal area for laboratory analysis.
• Image the breasts and facilitate breast cancer biopsies (see the Ultrasound-Guided Breast Biopsy page).
• Diagnose various heart conditions, including valve issues and congestive heart failure, as well as assess damage following a heart attack. An ultrasound of the heart is often referred to as an "echocardiogram" or simply "echo."

Doppler ultrasound allows the doctor to visualise and evaluate:

• Blockages in blood flow (such as clots)
• Narrowing of blood vessels
• Tumours and congenital vascular malformations
• Reduced or absent blood flow to organs, such as the testes or ovaries
• Increased blood flow, which may indicate infection

With insights into the speed and volume of blood flow from a Doppler ultrasound image, doctors can often determine if a patient is a suitable candidate for procedures like angioplasty.

How should I prepare?

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. You may need to remove all clothing and jewellery from the area that will be examined.

You might be required to change into a gown for the procedure.

Your preparation will vary depending on the type of ultrasound you are having. For some exams, your doctor may instruct you to refrain from eating or drinking for up to 12 hours before your appointment. This time frame is shorter for infants and young children. In other cases, the doctor may request that you drink up to six glasses of water two hours prior to your exam and avoid urinating to ensure your bladder is full at the start of the scan.

How does the procedure work?

Ultrasound imaging operates on principles like those used in sonar by bats, ships, and fishermen. When a sound wave hits an object, it bounces back or echoes. By measuring these echo waves, it's possible to determine the object's distance, size, shape, and consistency, including whether it is solid or fluid-filled.

Doctors use ultrasound to identify changes in the appearance of organs, tissues, and vessels, and to detect abnormal masses like tumours.

During an ultrasound exam, the transducer sends sound waves and records the returning echo waves. When pressed against the skin, it emits high-frequency sound waves into the body. As these waves reflect off internal structures, the sensitive receiver in the transducer detects minute changes in pitch and direction. A computer processes these variations and displays real-time images on a monitor. The technologist typically captures still images from the moving pictures and may also save short video loops.

Doppler ultrasound is a specialised technique that measures the speed and direction of blood flow in vessels. The movement of blood cells alters the pitch of the reflected sound waves, known as the Doppler effect. A computer processes these sounds to create graphs or colour images representing blood flow through the vessels.

How is the procedure performed?

For most ultrasound exams, you will lie face up on an exam table, which may be adjustable. You may need to turn to one side to enhance image quality.

The radiologist (a doctor trained to supervise and interpret radiology exams) or sonographer will position you on the table and apply a water-based gel to the area being examined. This gel ensures secure contact between the transducer and your body and removes air pockets that could obstruct sound waves. The sonographer will move the transducer back and forth over the area of interest until the desired images are obtained.

Generally, you shouldn't experience discomfort from the pressure of the transducer. However, if the area is sensitive, you might feel pressure or minor pain.

Doppler sonography uses the same transducer for examination.

In rare cases, young children may require sedation to remain still during the procedure. Parents should inquire about this in advance and be aware of any food or drink restrictions related to sedation.

After the imaging is completed, the technologist will wipe off the gel from your skin. Any remaining gel will dry quickly and typically does not stain or discolour clothing.

In some ultrasound exams, the doctor may attach a probe to the transducer and insert it into a body cavity. These procedures include:

• Transoesophageal echocardiogram: The probe is inserted into the oesophagus to obtain images of the heart.
• Transrectal ultrasound: The probe is inserted into a man’s rectum to view the prostate.
• Transvaginal ultrasound: The probe is inserted into a woman’s vagina to view the uterus and ovaries.

This is the perfect time to work, with a strong demand for skilled professionals. By choosing MedicsPro, you'll have access to a wide range of opportunities and competitive pay rates.

 Key Benefits:

• Access to a Wide Range of Opportunities: MedicsPro offers a broad selection of locum and permanent positions across various medical specialties.
• Competitive Pay Rates: The agency provides highly competitive pay rates to ensure you’re well-compensated for your skills and experience.
• Flexible Work Options: With locum and permanent roles available, you can choose work that suits your schedule and lifestyle, offering greater work-life balance.
• Dedicated Support: MedicsPro offers personalised support from a team of experienced recruitment consultants who are there to guide you through the job search process.
• Exclusive Roles: Many of the positions available through MedicsPro are exclusive, giving you access to roles that may not be advertised elsewhere.
• Ongoing Training and Development: The agency provides opportunities for continuing professional development, helping you stay current with industry standards and enhance your career prospects.
• Fast and Efficient Recruitment Process: MedicsPro ensures a smooth and streamlined recruitment process, minimising the time it takes for you to secure your next role.
• Nationwide and International Opportunities: Whether you're looking for work in the NHS, private sector, or overseas, MedicsPro offers positions across the UK and beyond.