Ultrasound (USG) Scan in Pokhara: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Ultrasound (USG) is one of the most frequently requested diagnostic tests at A&B International Hospital, Pokhara. It is safe, painless, produces real-time images, and uses no ionising radiation. Understanding what different scans involve — and how to prepare correctly — ensures you get a clear, reportable result the first time.

How Does Ultrasound Work?

Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves (2–18 MHz) emitted from a probe pressed against the skin. The waves travel into the body, reflect off tissues at different depths, and return to the probe, which converts them into a real-time image on a monitor. Because it uses sound, not X-ray radiation, ultrasound carries no radiation risk and can be repeated as often as clinically necessary.

The probe is moved across the skin with a thin layer of gel applied first. The gel eliminates air between the probe and skin, which would otherwise block sound transmission completely. The scan itself is painless; mild pressure may be felt when the probe is pressed against tender areas.

What Types of Ultrasound Scans Are Done at A&B Hospital?

A&B International Hospital performs all standard diagnostic ultrasound scans. The type ordered depends on the organ system under investigation, the patient’s symptoms, and the clinical question being answered.

Abdominal Ultrasound

This is the most common scan requested at A&B. It images the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, spleen, kidneys, pancreas, and aorta. It is used for evaluating right upper quadrant pain (gallstones), jaundice, flank pain (kidney stones), abnormal liver function tests, and abdominal swelling.

Preparation: Fast for 4–6 hours before the scan. Water is acceptable. Fasting reduces bowel gas and allows the gallbladder to fill, making it clearly visible.

Pelvic Ultrasound (Women)

Pelvic USG visualises the uterus, ovaries, and urinary bladder. It is indicated for pelvic pain, menstrual irregularities, suspected fibroids, ovarian cysts, and infertility evaluation.

Preparation: Arrive with a comfortably full bladder. The full bladder pushes bowel loops aside and acts as an acoustic window to see pelvic organs clearly. If a transvaginal probe is required for better detail, the bladder must be emptied before that portion of the scan.

Obstetric Ultrasound (Pregnancy Scan)

Pregnancy scans serve different purposes at different gestational ages:

• Dating scan (6–10 weeks): Confirms intrauterine pregnancy, measures crown-rump length to confirm gestational age, detects multiple pregnancies.
• Nuchal translucency scan (11–14 weeks): Screens for chromosomal abnormalities. Requires specific timing.
• Anomaly scan (18–22 weeks): Detailed survey of fetal anatomy including brain, spine, heart, limbs, face, abdomen, and placental location.
• Growth and Doppler scans (28–40 weeks): Monitors fetal growth, amniotic fluid volume, and placental blood flow.

Preparation: Moderately full bladder for early pregnancy scans. From second trimester onward, no bladder preparation is needed.

Thyroid Ultrasound

Thyroid USG assesses the size, texture, and nodular structure of the thyroid gland. It is routinely ordered alongside thyroid function tests (TSH, T3, T4) to characterise a palpable nodule, goitre, or suspected thyroiditis. The scan determines whether a nodule is solid or cystic, calcified, or vascular — all factors that guide the decision about fine-needle aspiration biopsy.

Preparation: No preparation required.

Testicular Ultrasound

Testicular USG evaluates scrotal pain, swelling, or a palpable mass. It distinguishes epididymo-orchitis from testicular torsion (though torsion is primarily a clinical and surgical diagnosis), identifies hydrocele, varicocele, and testicular tumours. Colour Doppler assessment of blood flow is included.

Preparation: No preparation required.

Musculoskeletal Ultrasound

Soft tissue masses, tendon tears, joint effusions, and ligament injuries in the shoulder, elbow, wrist, knee, and ankle can be assessed with high-frequency ultrasound probes. Dynamic assessment — imaging the joint in motion — is a key advantage of ultrasound over static MRI for tendon evaluation.

Preparation: No preparation required.

What Does a USG Report Include?

A standard ultrasound report from A&B documents:

• Organ dimensions: Size in centimetres compared to reference ranges
• Echogenicity: Whether tissue appears normal (isoechoic), brighter (hyperechoic — fat, calcification), or darker (hypoechoic — fluid, tumour) than reference tissue
• Specific findings: Stones (described as echogenic foci with posterior acoustic shadowing), cysts (anechoic round structures with posterior enhancement), masses (size, margins, vascularity)
• Free fluid: Ascites in the abdomen or free fluid in the pelvis
• Impression and recommendation: A summary statement from the sonologist

How Do You Identify Findings That Need Urgent Attention?

Most ultrasound findings are non-urgent and can be discussed at an OPD appointment. However, some findings warrant immediate clinical review:

• Free fluid in the abdomen (ascites) in a trauma patient suggests organ injury or internal bleeding — urgent surgical assessment required.
• Free fluid in the pelvis in a woman of reproductive age with acute pain raises the possibility of ectopic pregnancy rupture — a surgical emergency.
• Absent fetal heartbeat on obstetric scan indicates pregnancy loss — requires prompt clinical management.
• Solid renal mass or testicular mass requires urgent urology referral and further imaging.
• Dilated common bile duct with raised bilirubin may indicate obstruction from a stone or tumour — surgical or gastroenterology review needed promptly.
• Fetal abnormality on anomaly scan — requires maternal-fetal medicine consultation.

If the sonologist marks the report as requiring urgent clinical correlation, do not wait for a scheduled OPD. Contact the hospital directly.

Does ECHS Cover Ultrasound Scans at A&B?

ECHS cardholders are entitled to cashless ultrasound services for all indications listed in the ECHS treatment schedule. Abdominal USG, pelvic USG, obstetric scans, thyroid USG, and echocardiography are included. Present your ECHS card and the referral slip (if attending for a non-emergency scan) at registration.

What Is the Cost of Ultrasound in Pokhara?

Costs at A&B are competitive with other Pokhara diagnostic centres. Exact fees vary by scan type. Contact the hospital at +977 061-412512 for current pricing or confirm during registration. ECHS-covered patients pay nothing for listed investigations.

How to Book an Ultrasound at A&B

Ultrasound appointments are recommended — especially for abdominal, pelvic, and obstetric scans — to avoid delays. Same-day appointments are frequently available. Emergency ultrasound is accessible 24/7 without an appointment.

Get Your Ultrasound Scan Done at A&B International Hospital

A&B International Hospital

Pokhara-02, Bindhyaabasini Way to Sarangkot

Phone: +977 061-412512

Safe, radiation-free ultrasound with same-day reports. All scan types available. ECHS cashless service. Walk-ins welcome during OPD hours; 24/7 emergency scanning available.