Preparation for the test
No special preparation is required. Female patients are required to change into a hospital gown, however lower clothing remains in place. Please take medications as normal. There is no need to fast for this test.
Test Information
An Echocardiogram or ‘Echo’ is a detailed ultrasound examination of the heart.
The examination is performed by a Cardiac Technologist, and a transducer (like a small microphone) will be applied to various areas of the chest along with a small amount of harmless ultrasound gel.
The examination takes approximately 40 minutes and is usually not uncomfortable.
The type of ultrasound used in the test is not harmful, and there are no injections or radiation. No medication is given for the test.
After the test
There are no special requirements for the patient after the test. No drugs are given, so patients can drive as normal.
Test Results
Echocardiogram images will be sent to one of our Senior Cardiologists for assessment in Melbourne. Results are typically back with the referring doctor within five days.
If your results are urgently required due to pending treatment or consultation, please let us know and we’ll do our best to meet your deadline.