Our priority of exceptional patient care is backed by the confidence that Philips ultrasound imaging machines deliver. Our medical imaging systems have a well-earned reputation for excellence among healthcare providers. We use innovations that help drive the best decisions for patients. Our ultrasound features an exceptional level of clinical performance, workflow, and advanced intelligence to support fast radiation free diagnosis.
With the clearest image quality and the finest equipment in Australia, skilled in diagnosing all conditions found by ultrasound, you can trust Mermaid Beach Radiology for the best service!
Please note, we do not offer bulk billing ultrasound services.
What is an Ultrasound?
Ultrasounds are a safe and widely used technique that use inaudible sound waves to deliver superb images without the use of radiation. Ultrasound has no known harmful effects and can be particularly useful to diagnose soft tissue conditions and as such is routinely used to evaluate the abdominal and pelvic organs, the breast, endometriosis, muscles, tendons and ligaments, as well as other small body parts such as the thyroid gland and lymph nodes.
Images are captured in real-time which enhances the diagnostic capabilities for things like pregnancy and blood flow, and is ideal for performing procedures under imaging guidance such as pain relief injections, treatment of tendon injuries as well as taking of small specimens of tissue for analysis, known as either a Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) or a Biopsy.
Our Ultrasound services
Our services are some of the best in the Gold Coast area, providing some of the best quality medical imaging to detect the smallest of issues. With high definition and crisp images, our medical team can diagnose you quickly and more effectively than most other imaging service providers.
Patients from all over QLD and NSW are travelling to Mermaid Beach Radiology for their pregnancy dating scans, muscular problems, circulation issues and every other condition, for a fast and clear diagnosis.
Before an Ultrasound?
You will need to make an appointment for an examination. Ultrasound examinations of different body parts may require special preparation. Please take the time to read the summary of instructions below for the type of ultrasound examination you are to undergo. If you have any questions please discuss them with our reception staff when you make your consultation.
Please advise at the time of booking if you are aware you are having twins or if you have any other pressing medical conditions we should know about.
Abdomen
- Nothing to eat or drink for 6 hours prior to your appointment
Doppler, Aorta & Renal
- Fast for 8 hours prior to your appointment
Pelvis, Renal and First Trimester (first 3 months) Pregnancy
- Empty the bladder one hour before your examination and immediately drink 1 litre of water (4 cups) within 1 hour of the examination. Do note empty bladder – your bladder must be full for this examination.
Other Ultrasound examinations
- No preparation required unless otherwise instructed.
After an Ultrasound?
There is no specific aftercare required as a result of your ultrasound. If you do find yourself needing help or information after your treatment with Mermaid Beach Radiology then please contact us on +61 7 5619 9499 or email us at info@mermaidbeachradiology.com.au..
What happens during my ultrasound scan?
Most ultrasounds last fifteen to forty-five minutes. They are performed by a sonographer, radiographer, doctor, or other healthcare professional. Three different types of ultrasound work slightly differently. We have outlined each type below.
External Ultrasound
An external ultrasound involves a probe moving over your skin. It is usually used for pregnancies or checking your organs. You will be asked to change into a gown or lift your shirt so the probe can access your skin.
A lubricating gel is placed on your skin to help the probe move smoothly. This gel, which can be quite cold, helps the probe and skin have continuous contact. You won’t feel anything while the probe moves across the skin, and the images show up immediately for your doctor.
Internal Ultrasound
An internal or transvaginal ultrasound provides doctors with a close looker at your womb, ovaries, or prostate gland. You will change into a gown and be asked to lie on your back or side with your knees drawn to your chest.
The probe used is small, slightly wider than a finger which is passed into your vagina or rectum, transmitting images to a monitor. This examination can be uncomfortable but is quick and painless.
Endoscopic Ultrasound
Endoscopic ultrasound uses a probe attached to an endoscope, a long, thin, flexible tube that is passed into your body to examine your stomach or food pipe. You will lie on your side for this ultrasound as the endoscope is pushed towards your stomach.
A sedative will be given to keep you calm, and a local anesthetic spray will be used to numb your throat, helping with any discomfort. A mouth guard might also be given to keep your mouth open and protect your teeth from biting the endoscope.
Are there any risks associated with having an ultrasound scan?
There are no known risks associated with an ultrasound scan. The sound waves are considered safe and do not carry the radiation exposures that other medical scans do. While external and internal ultrasounds are painless, there can be some discomfort as the probe moves across your body.
You might experience a sore throat or bloating after endoscopic ultrasounds, and there is a small risk of internal bleeding, but the risk is very small.
Meet our experienced team of radiologists on the Gold Coast
Our Radiologist
Dr Zane Sherif
MBBS, FRANZCR
Mermaid Beach Radiology was founded in 2021 with the mission to provide personalised imaging for every client. The “cookie cutter” approach to imaging that exists at present makes little change between clients with different physiology and body types; and far too often the results are too ordinary. The experience of radiology high radiation dose, high noise and often not able to answer the clinical question.
Our MRI & Clinical Research Director
Ben Kennedy
MRI & Clinical Research Director
Ben Kennedy is currently the MRI Clinical and Research Director at Mermaid Beach Radiology. He has a master's degree in MRI from the University of Queensland and his specialties are sequence development and translation of research applications into clinical mainstream imaging. Ben has been an invited speaker at ISMRM, SMRT and ESMRB covering such topics as pulse sequence optimization, MRI physics and specialized clinical applications. Along with his current responsibilities at Mermaid Beach Radiology, Ben is also an Adjunct Research Fellow at the Menzies School of Health Research.
Our Chief Radiographer & SPECTRAL Scientist
Alex Ryvachuk
Chief Radiographer & SPECTRAL Scientist
Alex holds Bachelors Degrees in Biomedical Science and Radiography from Griffith and QUT, retrospectively. He has worked both publicly and privately spanning 16 years in Medical Imaging.He is both MRI and CT trained and experienced in all things SPECTRAL. He comes from a background of training and educating radiographers in advanced imaging techniques and is always happy to take the time to explain things to those not experienced in the medical field.
Alex is a caring and jovial person who enjoys being a dad, a friend and a team member. He loves travelling the world and waking up early to see his football team lose.
Our Head Sonographer
Bryce Allen
Head Sonographer
Bryce is head sonographer of Mermaid Beach Radiology. He enjoys sucking at golf, performing dodgy renovations at home, and having a hack on his twinnie surfboard. Originating from Coffs Harbour, he, his wife and fur child have lived on the GC now for 10 years. He has worked with specialists in pain management, regenerative procedures, and early detection cancer biopsies, but his passion is for musculoskeletal ultrasound, in particular neurovascular pathology and sports injuries. MRI has always been gold standard for MSK, and it is his hope to advance ultrasound to match it.
Book an appointment with our radiology clinic today
As the leading name in Gold Coast radiology, referrers from all over QLD are sending their patients to us.
To book a consultation with our practice, visit our website and start a booking request, select what area of the body you need examined and upload all the relevant documents needed. If you have a referral from specialists then please upload this when you are making an appointment request.
If you would rather speak to a staff member or a doctor directly then you can contact our clinic on +61 7 5619 9499 for any queries about our imaging services.
Hours of Operation
Monday – Friday 9:00am to 6:00pm
Saturday – Closed
Sunday – Closed
Ultrasound scan FAQs
Does Medicare cover an ultrasound scan?
Ultrasound scans are covered by Medicare, provided they are ordered by a doctor and used for a medically necessary reason. Should your ultrasound be used for diagnostic purposes, it falls under Medicare Part B and will be covered.
Are there any possible side effects of an ultrasound scan?
An ultrasound is considered very safe, with minimal side effects. It is normal to feel some discomfort when the probe is inserted during an internal ultrasound. You might experience a sore throat or bloating after an endoscopic ultrasound, with a small chance of internal bleeding, but this is very rare.
Are ultrasound scans bulk billed?
Ultrasound scans can be offered as part of our bulk billing serive offered through Medicare. Please contact us to find out if your ultrasound scan will be covered.
Do I need a referral for an ultrasound?
A referral is needed for an ultrasound scan at Mermaid Beach Radiology. You will need a referral from a practitioner or specialist before we can book your ultrasound.
When will I get my ultrasound results?
It can take roughly one week for your ultrasound results to arrive. As ultrasounds deliver in-time imaging, you can receive your results much quicker. For example, you will be given the results of an ultrasound confirming pregnancy immediately. Results that take longer will be delivered over the phone or in person during a follow-up appointment.
World-Class Radiology
