There is no specific preparation required for this study. If you have existing medical conditions such as diabetes or heart failure, or if you have any other concerns, please contact us. 

Please wear loose clothing to your appointment. For this scan, you will be asked to remove your clothes from your waist up and you will be given a gown to wear. You may also be asked to remove objects like watches or jewellery for your scan, so consider leaving any valuables at home. 

Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment with your Medicare card and/or concession card, your referral, and any previous scans. If you have a child aged 6 or under, they must be supervised by an adult other than the patient.  

Before your scan the sonographer will explain the examination to you. You will then lie on a table or bed and will be connected to an ECG monitor using small, sticky electrodes.  Your sonographer will place warmed gel on your chest before placing a smooth, handheld device called a transducer onto your skin.  

The sonographer will perform a detailed assessment of the heart and take images to support the diagnostic report.  You may be asked to hold your breath, take deep breaths, or sniff through your nose during the scan.  

After the procedure, the technologist will wipe the gel from your chest and remove the ECG electrode pads. You may then put on your clothes. 

If you have experienced symptoms such as shortness of breath, fluid retention, chest pain, signs of heart failure, lightheadedness or palpitations, your referring practitioner may recommend echocardiography. They may also suggest this study if you have a heart murmur or a family history of heart problems. 

Ultrasounds are considered very safe. They do not use ionising radiation, and have no known risks, side effects, or complications.

An echocardiography ultrasound does not require any specific after care. After your appointment, you may continue with normal daily activities, unless advised otherwise by your referring practitioner. 

Please contact your preferred clinic for all quotes and enquiries. Our friendly customer service team can advise you of any costs involved with your ultrasound, including any out-of-pocket costs. 

We recommend arranging alternative childcare for the time of your scan, or have another adult accompany you to the appointment to care for your child.

Children are not allowed in the examination room, and there is no supervision available in the waiting area. 

Our staff need to maintain full focus during your examination to ensure the best possible care.