Self-referral policy
We allow for self-referral for diagnostic ultrasound scans to speed up your care.
However, for your safety and continuity of care, you must be registered with a GP to whom we can send the ultrasound report and inform of the scan results with your consent. Please provide your GP details at the time of registration.
All self-referral bookings are vetted by our doctors with the clinical history you provide to ensure that the scan is appropriate for your needs. If we feel that the scan is not indicated, we will advise you of an alternative option where possible and any next steps. You will not be charged for this.
All injection or ultrasound guided treatments require referral from a healthcare professional such a doctor, physiotherapist, or podiatrist.
If you are unsure if an ultrasound scan is suitable for your health problem. Please speak to your GP or email us at book@acornultrasound.co.uk or call our clinic on 02921999300.
- Lower back pain and sciatica
- Looking at bowel
- Looking at bones for fractures
Most scans do not have any specific preparation other than being appropriately dressed to allow for easy access to the body part/joint being examined with ultrasound.
ABDOMINAL SCANS: fast for 4 hours before. You can take your medications as normal. Please speak to your GP if you are diabetic or become hypoglycaemic, before fasting for the scan to ensure it is safe for you to do so.
During the fast, do not eat Food, milky or fizzy/sugary drinks, chewing gum or cigarettes.
If you are diabetic, please bring a snack to take after the ultrasound scan.
KIDNEYS & BLADDER SCAN: Full bladder
Patients undergoing a renal tract or pelvic scan are asked to fill their bladder. A renal tract ultrasound looks at your kidneys and bladder. If a patient is experiencing bladder symptoms, the bladder needs to be clearly visualised to look at the shape, outline and contents, to exclude any abnormality or pathology.
Drink approximately 1.5 pints of water an hour in advance of your appointment to ensure the bladder is full enough to see.
Under no circumstances do we want to cause discomfort to our patients and cause an ‘accident’. If a patient informs us that they are desperate and absolutely cannot wait then they are welcome to use our toilets.
During your ultrasound scan, one of our staff members (other than the scanning doctor) who is trained to be a medical chaperone will be also present in the scanning room. We are unable to offer ultrasound scans if you refuse the presence of a chaperone in the room.
We have taken extra measures to ensure that your visit is safe to yourself and our staff. You will be asked to fill a COVID-19 disclaimer to ensure that you are not symptomatic.
One-to-one consultant scan
Your results will be discussed with you straight after the scan
Copy of your Ultrasound Report
Digital copy of your scan image
Any onward referral to another health professional if required
The doctor will discuss the results with you straight after the scan. You will also receive a copy of the ultrasound report and images with in 24 hours.
Ultrasound is a safe diagnostic test which does not carry radiation. It is also commonly used in pregnancy to visualise the unborn baby.
Due to COVID working practices, you can bring only one person to accompany you in the scanning/treatment room.