An echocardiogram is an ultrasound scan of the heart which gives accurate information about your heart function and the structure of your heart and valves. You will need to undress down to the waist (including bra) and lie on the couch. A transducer (probe) is placed on your chest along with some water-based gel. The probe is moved around the chest to capture different views of your heart. The test may take up to 30 minutes to complete. It is advisable to wear a loose top which you can remove easily.
An ECG records the rhythm and electrical activity of your heart. Several small sticky patches (electrodes) are put on your arms, legs and chest. You will need to undress down to the waist (including bra) to have the electrodes fitted. If you have a lot of hair on your skin, we may need to shave that area to make sure the electrodes stay in close contact with your skin. These electrodes are attached to wires leading to a recording machine. The test is up to 10 minutes long. Please refrain from using moisturisers and body oils prior to test as it prevents the electrodes from sticking. It is advisable to wear a loose top which you can remove easily. Ladies are advised to avoid wearing tights.
This technique involves continuously recording an ECG over 24 hours, 48 hours or 7 days. Small sticky patches (electrodes) are put on your chest and attached to a small recording device which can be worn around your waist or neck, whilst you go about your normal daily activities. You will need to undress down to the waist (ladies can keep their bra on) to have the monitor fitted. If you have a lot of hair on your skin, we may need to shave that area to make sure the electrodes stay in close contact with your skin. Please avoid using moisturiser or body oils over the chest area. It is advisable to wear a loose top which you can remove easily. Ladies are advised to avoid wearing tights.
To ensure your results are processed swiftly, please return the monitors to the clinic as per below timelines:
Appointments before 1pm, monitors to be returned between 8.30am & 9am the following day the clinician will confirm the return time with you.
Appointments after 2pm, monitors to be returned between 10am & 12noon the following day, the clinician will confirm the return time with you.
Appointments on a Friday, monitors to be returned between 8.30am & 9am Monday morning. Unless stated otherwise during your appointment, the clinician will confirm the return time with you..
When wearing an AECG monitor for 24 hours patients will be unable to shower during this time. This is so we can get the optimum recording quality possible. After approximately 48 hours the electrodes start to deteriorate. For longer recordings patients will be provided with additional electrodes enabling patients to shower and then change their electrodes at the same time. This will be explained during the appointment.
This technique is used to record your blood pressure at regular intervals over 24 hours. A blood pressure cuff is worn on your arm and is attached via a wire ,worn underneath your clothes, to a small recording device worn around your waist. The monitor is programmed to take a recording of your blood pressure every half an hour during the day and every hour at night, whilst you go about your normal activities. It is advisable to wear a loose top which you can remove easily.
To ensure your results are processed swiftly, please return the monitors to the clinic as per below timelines:
Appointments before 1pm to be returned between 8.30am & 9am the following day, the clinician will confirm the return time with you.
Appointments after 2pm to be returned betwen 10am & 12noon the following day, the clinician will confirm the return time with you.
Any time on a Friday to be returned between 8.30am & 9am Monday morning. Unless stated otherwise during your appointment.
The clinician will remind you when to return your devices. Please ensure you follow the instructions.
What is it?
An ultrasound is similar to a scan that women have during pregnancy. It involves putting some jelly on the area to be scanned and running a probe over the surface of the skin.
How Long will it Take?
Please allow ½ hour for this examination and have nothing to eat 6 hours before your appointment, you can drink water (add squash to taste) up to the time of your appointment.
Do I need to do anything?
To visualise the pelvic organs it is important to have a full bladder. Please drink at least 2 pints of water 1 hour prior to your appointment and do not go to the toilet.
If you are unable to drink this amount of fluid due to heart or kidney disease, or if you are a diabetic and do not have an early morning appointment please contact us.
Will there be any side effects?
No, there are not side effects from having this investigation. You can continue with your day to day activities (such as driving) following your appointment.
Information for female patients having a pelvic scan
An ultrasound examination of the pelvis can be done either externally or internally. Sometimes the pelvic organs are seen better with the use of an internal probe, the tip is inserted into the vagina after the bladder has been emptied. A sterile sheath is applied to the probe before insertion and jelly is applied to aid its introduction. The probe is slightly larger than a tampon and inserted in the same way. The procedure is usually painless but may occasionally cause minimal discomfort.
This type of examination is not performed in very young women.
If your appointment is likely to coincide with your period this does not affect the scan, but if you feel uncomfortable having a scan at this time please telephone us on the number at the top of your appointment letter to arrange an alternative date.
NOTE: your appointment may be carried out by a male or female sonographer. Should you have a preference to the sex of the sonographer please discuss with our Patient Management Centre on 01691 676496
NOTE: your appointment may be carried out by a male or femal sonographer. Should you have a preference to the sex of the sonographer please discuss with our Patient Management Centre on 01691 676496
What is it?
An Ultrasound is similar to a scan that women have during pregnancy. It involves putting some jelly on the area to be scanned and running a probe over the surface of the skin.
How Long will it Take?
Please allow ½ hour for this examination
Do I need to do anything?
Have nothing to eat 6 hours prior to your appointment. If you are a diabetic and do not have an early morning appointment, please call us on the number at the top of your appointment letter. You can drink water (add squash to taste) up to the time of your appointment.
Will there be any side effects?
No, there are not side effects from having this investigation. You can continue with you day to day activities (such as driving) following your appointment.
Information for female patients having a pelvic scan
An ultrasound examination of the pelvis can be done either externally or internally. Sometimes the pelvic organs are seen better with the use of an internal probe, the tip is inserted into the vagina after the bladder has been emptied. A sterile sheath is applied to the probe before insertion and jelly is applied to aid its introduction. The probe is slightly larger than a tampon and inserted in the same way causing minimal discomfort.
If your appointment is likely to coincide with your period this does not affect the scan, but if you feel uncomfortable having a scan at this time please telephone us on the number at the top of your appointment letter to arrange an alternative date.
NOTE: your appointment may be carried out by a male or female sonographer. Should you have a preference to the sex of the sonographer please discuss with our Patient Management Centre on 01691 676496
What is it?
An Ultrasound is similar to a scan that women have during pregnancy. It involves putting some jelly on the area to be scanned and running a probe over the surface of the skin.
How long will it take?
Please allow 1/2 hour for this examination.
Do I need to do anything?
Please make sure you attend with a full bladder if age allows.
If you are able to wear loose fitting clothing such as a tracksuit it may be possible to perform the scan without having to change into a gown. If you are sensitive to products containing latex please ensure that you inform the person carrying out the examination before the examination starts.
Will there be any side effects?
No, there are not side effects from having this investigation. You can continue with you day to day activities (such as driving) following your appointment.
NOTE: your appointment may be carried out by a male or female sonographer. Should you have a preference to the sex of the sonographer please discuss with our Patient Management Centre on 01691 676496
What is it?
An ultrasound is similar to a scan that women have during pregnancy. It involves putting some jelly on the area to be scanned and running a probe over the surface of the skin.
How long will it take?
Please allow ½ hour for this examination
Do I need to do anything?
If you are unable to drink this amount of fluid due to heart or kidney disease, please contact us.
Will there be any side effects?
No, there are not side effects from having this investigation. You can continue with you day to day activities (such as driving) following your appointment.
Information for female patients having a pelvic scan
An ultrasound examination of the pelvis can be done either externally or internally. Sometimes the pelvic organs are seen better with the use of an internal probe, the tip is inserted into the vagina after the bladder has been emptied. A sterile sheath is applied to the probe before insertion and jelly is applied to aid its introduction. The probe is slightly larger than a tampon and inserted in the same way causing minimal discomfort.
If your appointment is likely to coincide with your period this does not affect the scan, but if you feel uncomfortable having a scan at this time please telephone us on the number at the top of your appointment letter to arrange an alternative date.
NOTE: your appointment may be carried out by a male or female sonographer. Should you have a preference to the sex of the sonographer please discuss with our Patient Management Centre on 01691 676496
