Obstetric Imaging
The two most common obstetric ultrasounds are the 12 week nuchal translucency scan and the 18-20 week morphology scan.
The Nuchal Translucency (NT) scan is performed between 11 weeks and five days and 13 weeks and six days. This test is combined with a blood test to screen for Down Syndrome, and other chromosomal abnormalities. It also is useful in dating the pregnancy and detecting multiple pregnancies.
The 18 – 20 week morphology scan is a routine examination performed in nearly all pregnancies in Australia. This is predominantly used to assess fetal development (brain, face, spine, heart, lungs, stomach, kidneys, bladder, cord insertion, arms and legs) placental position and amniotic fluid volume. If you don't wish to know the sex of your baby please tell your sonographer at the start of the examination.
Parents-to-be have the opportunity to a ‘sneak peek’ at their baby before birth in real-time with 3D/4D ultrasound.
3D/4D Ultrasound
Noosa Radiology utilises the latest in 3D/4D fetal imaging technology, offering expectant parents and their families the highest quality images and video clips of their unborn baby.
3D ultrasound, is created from a series of thin 2D slices digitally reconstructed to give more life-like images. With 4D ultrasound, the added dimension is time, so that the 3D images appear to be moving in real time. The 3D/4D image usually appears a golden colour on the ultrasound screen, as this colour is easy for patients to look at and highlights features on the baby. A CD of both colour 3D and 4D clips will be included in your pictures.
How much will it cost for a 3D/4D ultrasound?
The 3D/4D ultrasound will include a fee. It is important that you understand that Medicare or your health fund will not cover any portion of a 3D/4D ultrasound. Please contact our staff for more information.
Preparing for your examination
Please be aware that all ultrasound scans require an appointment. Please call us to arrange a time.
What to bring:
- You will need to have a referral from your GP or specialist to have your Ultrasound examination
- Medicare card
- Pension/concession card
- Previous films from other clinics relating to this pregnancy
What to expect
On your arrival you will be asked to fill out a pregnancy questionnaire and/or sign a consent form. You may be provided with a gown to wear instead of your own clothes.
In the imaging room, a Sonographer uses a hand-held scanning probe (transducer) placed against your skin and moves it around the area they are scanning. They will apply a warm gel between the transducer and your skin. This clear gel conducts the sound beam and allows the ultrasound probe to pass smoothly over your skin. The gel is easily removed after your examination, and it will not stain your skin or clothing.
At Noosa Radiology, special video display screens have been installed to allow you the opportunity to see your ultrasound pictures as they are being taken. Because ultrasound does not produce radiation, a patient may have one or two family members accompany them during the scan.
What will I receive after the scan?
Noosa Radiology utilises the latest in 3D/4D fetal imaging technology, offering expectant parents and their families the highest quality images and video clips of their unborn baby. A CD of both colour 3D and 4D clips will be included in your pictures.
We invite you to ask any additional questions you may have before or after your examination