Ultrasound

Safe, real-time imaging for soft tissue, MSK and vascular assessment.

About Ultrasound

Radiation-free imaging across the body’s most complex structures.

Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create detailed, real-time images of organs, vessels and soft tissue. It is non-invasive, radiation-free and safe for repeat use across all patient groups including children. At MBR Health, our ultrasound program is built on advanced Philips ultrasound platforms with exclusive access to emerging ultrasound technology through our industry partnership, delivering exceptional image quality across a comprehensive range of clinical applications. From complex musculoskeletal and vascular studies to image-guided interventional procedures, our ultrasound service is led by clinicians at the forefront of the field.

Ultrasound at MBR Health Ultrasound at MBR Health

Understanding Ultrasound

What is an Ultrasound?

Ultrasound imaging sends high-frequency sound waves into the body and measures their echoes to form real-time images. It is completely radiation-free, non-invasive and safe for repeated use across all patient groups, including during pregnancy and childhood. Because ultrasound is performed in real time, it is also uniquely suited to guiding clinical procedures such as injections, aspirations and biopsies with precision.

When Ultrasound may be recommended?

Ultrasound is the preferred first-line imaging modality for soft tissue, fluid-filled organs and vascular assessment, providing real-time imaging without ionising radiation. It offers exceptional resolution of superficial structures including tendons, ligaments and nerves, and reliably differentiates solid from cystic lesions across the thyroid, breast, kidney, liver, ovaries and testes. Doppler ultrasound adds functional assessment of blood flow across arterial and venous structures, enabling evaluation of conditions including deep vein thrombosis, arterial stenosis and organ perfusion. Ultrasound is also particularly appropriate where radiation-free imaging is preferred.

Why choose MBR Health for Ultrasound?

Our ultrasound program is delivered on advanced Philips ultrasound platforms, with exclusive access to emerging ultrasound technology through our industry partnership. Every scan is performed by experienced sonographers and reviewed by specialist radiologists, ensuring diagnostic accuracy across even the most complex studies. Our team offers a breadth of ultrasound expertise spanning musculoskeletal, vascular, abdominal, paediatric and interventional applications, supported by contrast-enhanced ultrasound and elastography for cases requiring advanced tissue characterisation.

What Our Ultrasound Can Detect

Ultrasound can assess more than you think.

Disclaimer

The information on this page is intended as general health information only and does not constitute medical advice. If you are experiencing sudden or severe abdominal pain, chest pain, significant swelling, or any symptoms that concern you, please seek prompt medical attention or call 000 in an emergency.

Ultrasound at MBR Health is performed following referral from a GP or specialist and is intended to complement, not replace, clinical assessment by a qualified medical practitioner. Imaging reports describe findings and observations only; diagnoses, treatment decisions, and clinical management are made by your treating practitioner in the context of your full clinical history and individual circumstances.

  • Abdominal & Pelvic Imaging
  • Musculoskeletal Ultrasound
  • Vascular & Doppler Studies
  • Breast & Thyroid Imaging
  • Contrast-enhanced Ultrasound
  • Elastography
  • Image-guided Interventions
  • Paediatric Ultrasound
Our Ultrasound Team Bryce Allen, Lead Sonographer

Our Ultrasound Team

The benchmark for ultrasound in Australia.

As MBR Health’s Specialist Radiologist, Zane Sherif oversees the ultrasound program, combining deep expertise in diagnostic ultrasound with specialisation in image-guided interventional procedures. His interventional work spans a broad range of ultrasound-guided therapies, ensuring every procedure is performed with precision and clinical rigour.

Bryce Allen, Lead Sonographer at MBR Health, is one of the most respected sonographers in the Australian imaging community, bringing exceptional expertise across musculoskeletal and complex vascular ultrasound. With a reputation built on clinical excellence and a commitment to advancing the field, Bryce is a sought-after presenter at industry events and a trusted resource for clinicians seeking expert sonographic opinion. His breadth of knowledge and hands-on expertise set the standard for ultrasound practice at MBR Health.

Meet Our Team

What to Expect

The process to expect during your scan.

1 before

Before you arrive

Preparation depends on the type of ultrasound examination you are having. Our team will provide tailored preparation instructions when you book. General guidelines are as follows:

  • Abdominal studies: Fast for six hours prior to your appointment. Small sips of water are permitted.
  • Doppler, aortic & renal studies: Fast for eight hours prior to your appointment.
  • All other examinations: No special preparation is required.
  • Pelvic, renal & early pregnancy studies: Empty your bladder one hour before your appointment, then drink one litre of water within that hour and do not empty your bladder again until after your scan.
2 during

During your scan

Most ultrasound scans take between 15 and 45 minutes depending on the area being examined. A warm gel is applied to your skin and the sonographer moves the probe gently over the area of interest. For some pelvic studies, an internal transvaginal or rectal ultrasound may be recommended to obtain clearer images. These are generally quick, safe and well-tolerated. For ultrasound-guided procedures, a sterile technique is used and you will be monitored by our clinical team throughout.

3 after

After your scan

No recovery time is required and you can return to normal activities immediately after your scan. A specialist radiologist will review your study and prepare a detailed report for your referring doctor. Results are typically available within 2 to 3 business days. In some procedural cases, key findings may be discussed with you on the day. Your report and images will also be accessible through the MBR Health patient portal.

Common Questions from Patients

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Medicare cover an Ultrasound scan?

Most medically necessary ultrasound examinations referred by a GP or specialist attract a Medicare rebate. Some advanced or non-Medicare procedures may be privately billed. Our team will always clarify any out-of-pocket costs before your appointment.

Are Ultrasound scans bulk billed?

We do not routinely bulk bill ultrasound examinations. A private fee applies depending on the type of examination. Any out-of-pocket costs will be clearly explained at the time of booking.

Are there any risks with Ultrasound?

Ultrasound uses sound waves, not radiation, and has no known harmful effects. It is considered one of the safest imaging modalities available and is safe for use across all patient groups including children and pregnant patients. Internal ultrasound examinations may cause mild temporary discomfort but are considered very safe.

Do I need a referral for Ultrasound?

Yes. A referral from a GP or specialist is required for all ultrasound examinations at MBR Health. This ensures the correct examination is performed and results are communicated back to your clinician.

What is Contrast-enhanced Ultrasound?

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound uses a small injection of microbubble contrast agent to improve visualisation of blood flow and tissue vascularity. It is particularly useful for tumour characterisation, liver lesion assessment and complex vascular studies, providing additional diagnostic information beyond standard ultrasound without ionising radiation.

What is Elastography?

Elastography is an advanced ultrasound technique that measures tissue stiffness, providing objective information about tissue health. It is commonly used to assess liver fibrosis, thyroid nodules and soft tissue lesions, helping clinicians make more informed diagnostic decisions without the need for invasive procedures.

When will I receive my results?

Results are typically available to your referring doctor within 2 to 3 business days. Urgent studies can be prioritised and your report and images will be accessible through the MBR Health patient portal following review.

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Explore Our Scans

Comprehensive scan information
for each of our Ultrasounds.

Kidney Ultrasound Liver Ultrasound

Journal Publications

Published research from MBR Health.

Selected peer-reviewed publications and clinical case reports from the MBR Health research and diagnostic innovation program.
Multimodality Imaging of High-Grade Prostate Adenocarcinoma with Diffusion MRI, PSMA PET and Dual-Layer Spectral CT: A Case Report 2026
Non-Surgical ACL Repair in 65yo 2026
MRI-Documented Re-continuity of a Complete Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture After Delayed Platelet-Rich Plasma Treatment in a 65-Year-Old Male: A Case Report
CT-guided Intradiscal PRP 2026
Intradiscal Platelet-Rich Plasma Delivery Via Modified Transdural Interlaminar Computed Tomography-Guided Access in Severe L5-S1 Disc Collapse: A Technical Case Report.
Contrast-enhanced US Hip PRP 2026
Novel Use of Ultrasound (US) Arthrogram to Increase Robustness of Payload Delivery of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) in the Hip Joint
Non-surgical ACL Repair PRP 2026
Case Study of Rapid Recovery of a Complete Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Rupture Through Orthobiologic-Driven Regeneration: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Validation
Nebulized platelet-rich plasma 2026
Nebulized platelet-rich plasma facilitates resolution of post-infective pulmonary consolidation and cavitation in a lung cancer survivor.
Read All Publications

Take the next step

Speak to your healthcare team.

MBR Health’s ultrasound service combines advanced imaging technology with exceptional clinical expertise, delivering precise, patient-centred care across a comprehensive range of ultrasound applications on the Gold Coast and across Queensland.
Patient Information