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Women’s and Children’s Hospital
Ngangkiku Ngartuku Kukuwardli
Acknowledgement
The Women's and Children's Hospital is located on the traditional lands for the Kaurna people, and we respect their spiritual relationship with their Country. We also acknowledge that the Kaurna people are the custodians of the Adelaide region, and that their cultural and heritage beliefs are still as important to the living Kaurna people today.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website may contain images, voices and names of people who have passed away.

Ultrasound – Women

Ultrasound is a method of taking pictures of people using sound instead of x-rays. Ultrasound shows the size, shape and position of things inside the body by using high frequency sound waves.

SAMI at the WCH perform ultrasounds on both women and children.

How to access the service

Referral requirements

A referral letter or request form is required from your doctor prior to booking a study. An appointment must be made for all ultrasound studies.

Making an appointment

Appointments can be made by telephoning (08) 8161 6055.

Hours

  • Monday – Friday, 8.00am – 5.00pm.
  • Outside of this time an ultrasound service is provided for emergency care. If you or your child are being seen in the Women's Assessment Service or the Paediatric Emergency Department, an ultrasound may be organised by your treating doctor.

Location

SAMI Children's Ultrasound
Level 2, Rogerson Building

SAMI Women's Ultrasound
Level 2, Queen Victoria Building

Further information

Our aim is to make the experience as pleasant as possible for you and your child while getting the information that your doctor requires.

We encourage a parent or guardian to stay with children during the ultrasound. Ultrasound studies may take anywhere from 20 minutes to one hour. Keeping your child still for this time can be difficult. Younger children may need to be entertained and persuaded to keep still. Bringing a favourite toy to cuddle may make them feel more comfortable.

Many of our studies require special preparation. Instructions will be given at the time the appointment is made. If these instructions are not followed it may not be possible to carry out the study and a new time will need to be booked so please be sure to follow instructions carefully.

For ultrasound done in pregnancy the best views are obtained if there is fluid in the bladder. You will be given instructions about drinking for your scan at the time your appointment is made.

SAMI WCH has a strict visitor policy. Only one support person is permitted with the patient into the scan room, and children under 8 are not permitted unless they are the patient.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Women’s Ultrasound

  • Q: Do I need a referral for my scan?
    A: Yes. A referral signed by a doctor is a legal requirement for us to undertake your scan.
  • Q: Do you perform 3D ultrasound of my baby?
    A: Unfortunately we do not offer 3D imaging in pregnancy.
  • Q: How will I find out the outcome of my scan?
    A: The referring doctor will discuss the results with you at your next visit.
  • Q: How many people can come with me to my scan?
    A: Only one support person is going to be allowed into the scan room with you.
  • Q: Can I bring my child with me to my scan?
    A: Children under 8 are not allowed into the scan rooms (unless they are the patient). If there is no one to look after them, your scan may need to be rescheduled.

Children’s Ultrasound

  • Q: Do I need a referral for my scan?
    A: Yes. A referral signed by a doctor is a legal requirement for us to undertake your scan.
  • Q: Is there any preparation required?
    A: Information about preparation will be included in your appointment letter.
  • Q: How long will it take?
    A: Most scans will be completed within an hour.
  • Q: How will I find out the outcome of my scan?
    A: The referring doctor will discuss the results with you at your next visit.
  • Q: How many people are allowed in the room?
    A: Only one support person is going to be allowed into the scan room. Children under 8 are not allowed into the scan rooms (unless they are the patient). If there is no one to look after them, your scan may need to be rescheduled.

Resources

Information sheets for ultrasound in both children and women are available from Medical Imaging – for enquiries, phone (08) 6161 6639.

Contact

Phone

Enquiries – (08) 8161 6639
Appointments – (08) 8161 6055

Email:

cywhs.midept@sa.gov.au

Fax

(08) 8161 6333

Mailing address

South Australia Medical Imaging (SAMI)
Women's and Children's Hospital
72 King William Road
North Adelaide
South Australia 5006

Staff

Campus Clinical Head
South Australia Medical Imaging

Dr Rebecca Linke
Phone (08) 8161 7731

Head Sonographer, Women's Ultrasound

Mr Piotr Niznik
Phone (08) 8161 6639

Head Sonographer, Paediatric Ultrasound

Mr Roger Gent
Phone (08) 8161 6639