What happens when you arrive
Most first visits start with a short registration step — confirming your details, any referral from your doctor, and the reason for the scan. If you already have a referral letter, prior reports or blood test results, bringing them along gives useful context even for a completely first-time visit.
After registration, a brief conversation with the radiologist or clinic staff usually follows to confirm exactly which scan is being done and what, if any, preparation is needed on the day. This is also the point to mention any specific concerns or symptoms so the appointment can be tailored to what you actually need, rather than assuming a one-size-fits-all approach.
Abdominal scans vs internal (TVS) scans
Many patients arrive unsure whether their scan will be done over the abdomen or internally, and the answer depends entirely on what is being examined and at what stage. Understanding the difference in advance removes a lot of first-visit anxiety.
Abdominal scan
- Performed by moving a probe over the abdomen with gel
- Used for most general, pregnancy and organ-specific scans
- Sometimes needs a full or partially full bladder
- No internal examination involved
Internal (TVS) scan
- Gives a closer, more detailed pelvic view
- Common in early pregnancy, fertility and some gynaecology scans
- Performed privately and explained beforehand
- Usually needs an empty rather than full bladder
How to prepare before you arrive
Preparation instructions genuinely vary by scan type, which is why the most reliable step is to confirm directly with the clinic when you book, rather than relying on what a previous, different scan required.
- Bladder preparation: some pelvic and early pregnancy scans need a comfortably full bladder; others need it empty. Confirm at booking.
- Fasting: some abdominal scans, particularly those looking at the gallbladder, may need a short fasting period beforehand.
- Records: bring prior reports, referral letters and relevant blood test results if you have them.
- Clothing: loose, comfortable clothing makes abdominal and pelvic access easier during the scan.
- Timing: arrive 10 to 15 minutes early for registration and any last preparation.
During the scan and getting your report
The scan itself is usually straightforward. Gel is applied to the skin, and a handheld probe is moved gently over the area being examined while images are captured and measured. Most routine scans take between 15 and 30 minutes, though some — such as a detailed anatomy or fetal echo scan — can take longer because more structures are being reviewed carefully.
At Nitara Scans, every scan is personally performed by Dr. Nayana N Sunku, the same radiologist who reads and reports it — which means findings can often be explained directly during or immediately after the appointment, rather than only through a written report sent later. Same-day reports are provided for the large majority of scans.
Common questions
What should I bring to my first ultrasound visit?
Bring any referral letter from your doctor, along with previous scan reports or blood test results if you have them — these give useful context even for a first visit. Mention your symptoms or reason for referral when booking so the correct scan and duration can be confirmed. Comfortable, loose clothing and arriving 10 to 15 minutes early make the appointment easier.
Do I need a full bladder for my first scan?
It depends on the scan. Pelvic and early pregnancy scans over the abdomen often need a comfortably full bladder; thyroid, breast and general abdominal scans usually don't. Because this varies by scan type, always confirm bladder preparation directly with the clinic when booking rather than assuming.
Will I get my results the same day?
Same-day reports are provided for the large majority of scans at Nitara Scans, and since Dr. Nayana performs and reports every scan personally, findings can often be discussed directly during the appointment. Scans needing further review or comparison with prior imaging may take slightly longer.
Can my partner or family come into the scan room with me?
In most cases yes, particularly for pregnancy scans. For certain internal examinations, an accompanying person may be asked to wait just outside briefly, then re-join for the discussion afterward. Mention this preference when booking so the appointment can be planned accordingly.
Is a first ultrasound visit different from a follow-up visit?
The scan itself is the same, but a first visit takes slightly longer because of registration and initial questions. Follow-up visits move faster since records are already on file and can be directly compared. Bringing every report from your first visit onward makes later comparisons more accurate.
"Had a very smooth experience at Nitara Scans. Doctor was very friendly and kind in explaining. Very considerate. Would recommend. Also, minimal waiting time."
"I went to Dr. Nayana for my pregnancy scans and I really like her. She is very kind and has good knowledge. She never hesitates to answer any questions, even small or silly ones. She explains everything very patiently."
Ultrasound scans in HSR Layout, Bengaluru
Nitara Scans and Diagnostics offers pregnancy, fertility, women's health and general ultrasound in HSR Layout, Bengaluru. All scans are personally performed by Dr. Nayana N Sunku — DMRD, DNB Radiology, Fetal Medicine Fellow — with time set aside to explain your results.