GENERAL ULTRASOUND

General abdominal ultrasound is an excellent bedside tool to quickly diagnose the presence of gallstones, fatty liver disease, kidney cysts, abdominal aortic aneurysms, to name but a few.

Usually, the patient is asked to fast for 6-8 hours prior to the test, which takes about 20 minutes to complete. Results are instant, reports of the ultrasound are saved to patient files and are available on patient request.

The above ultrasounds are usually organized following a consultation with the Doctor about a particular complaint.

Ultrasound is a first line diagnostic imaging technique that is an excellent and a non-invasive bedside tool. It is radiation free, and therefore safe on human tissues.

Ultrasound results are instant and greatly enhance clinicians’ abilities to make accurate diagnoses throughout many different specialties.

How does Ultrasound Work

Essentially, sound waves pass from the ultrasound probe through tissues and the returning sound echoes are interpreted by the ultrasound machine, creating images of the tissues without causing any radiation or harm to those tissues.

Professional Experience

Dr O’Hara has several years experience in diagnostic ultrasound. Since 2010, she has attended both local and Dublin radiology departments, gaining experience in the areas of early pregnancy, gynaecology (both transabdominal and transvaginal scanning), general abdominal scanning, and now expanding into ultrasound-guided joint injection services.

She holds a Masters in Medical Ultrasound through the University of Bournemouth (which is C.A.S.E-accredited). In 2012, Dr O’Hara completed a Post Graduate Certificate in Obstetric and Gynaecology Ultrasound through UCD (University College Dublin), having attended the Coombe Women’s hospital for over a year at the Early Pregnancy and Foetal Assessment Units.