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Aquascan / Saline Scan
An Aquascan is a simple ultrasound procedure used to visualise the endometrial cavity (the inside part of the uterus) and the endometrium (the lining of the endometrial cavity).
What is an Aquascan?
This type of scan is used to:
Assess for abnormalities within the endometrium, such as a polyp. You may have a pelvic ultrasound that suggests the endometrium is thicker than normal or has a different appearance. The Aquascan will help confirm or exclude the presence of an endometrial polyp or submucous fibroid.
The Aquascan assesses the contour of the endometrial cavity, detecting conditions such as a uterine septum or bicornuate uterus (these are types of congenital uterine anomalies). This information may be helpful when investigating problems such as recurrent miscarriages or infertility.
During your scan we will explain the findings to you and following your scan we will give you your images and email the report to you. We will email the report to your chosen clinic and if requested we will email your images to your clinic.
Frequently Asked Questions:
The level of pain experienced is usually minimal, with most women experiencing either no pain or only mild cramping period-type discomfort during the test.
We suggest that you take 2 paracetamol tablets 30 minutes before the procedure, to minimise your discomfort. No anaesthetic is required for this procedure.
It is important that you are not pregnant when you have this test, as the procedure can disturb the implantation of the embryo. If there is a possibility that you are pregnant, the procedure will need to be postponed until your next menstrual cycle.
The best time to perform an Aquascan is just after your period has finished, approximately day 7 to day 10 of a regular 28-day (monthly) menstrual cycle (the first day of your period is counted as day 1).
If your menstrual cycle is shorter than 28 days (for example, you usually only have 21 days between periods), you will need to have the test earlier in the cycle.
If your menstrual cycle is longer than 28 days, but still regular (for example, you usually have 35 days between periods), you may be able to have the test later in the cycle if that is more convenient.
If your periods are infrequent or irregular, please discuss the optimal time for this test with your clinician.
You do not need a full bladder for this test. We will ask you to completely empty your bladder before the test begins.
You can eat and drink normally before and after the test.