Also called: Ultrasound room design, Scan room layout, Clinic ultrasound room
Ultrasound Room Setup: Designing a Clinic Scan Room
The room affects image quality, patient comfort and the health of whoever scans all day. Plan it before the machine arrives.
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Space and layout
Plan the room around three things: the couch, the machine beside it on the scanning side, and enough space to move a patient in and out.
- Decide which side of the couch you scan from, and put the machine, power and data points on that side so the operator sits close to the patient.
- Leave space for a wheelchair or trolley to come alongside the couch, and for a chaperone or family member.
- Choose an electric height-adjustable couch, ideally with a tilting backrest; leg supports help for transvaginal scans.
- Add a second monitor on the wall or an arm if patients will watch, as is common in obstetric scans.
- Provide a changing area or curtain, gowns or sheets, and somewhere to put clothes.
Lighting, air-conditioning, power and data
| Service | What to plan | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Lighting | Dimmable, indirect light with no glare on the screen; a brighter task light for procedures | Low ambient light makes subtle grey differences visible |
| Air-conditioning | Enough cooling for the machine’s heat plus patients and staff, without airflow blowing onto the patient | Systems run warm, and patients are often partly undressed |
| Power | Dedicated earthed sockets at the machine position, a UPS and surge protection; no extension reels across the floor | Avoids shutdowns, data loss and trip hazards |
| Data | A network point for PACS, reporting and the clinic system, and space for a printer | Images and reports reach the patient record without USB sticks |
Sonographer ergonomics
Shoulder, neck, wrist and back pain are common among people who scan for long sessions. Most of the strain comes from reaching and twisting, and good room set-up removes much of it.
- An adjustable chair with good back support, at a height where the scanning arm stays close to the body.
- Couch height set so the scanning elbow is not lifted far from the side.
- The monitor straight ahead at about eye level, so the neck does not twist for every scan.
- A light grip on the probe, short micro-breaks and a varied mix of exams through the day.
- Arm supports or cushions for long exams, and a cable support so the probe cable does not drag on the wrist.
Privacy, chaperones and infection control
Privacy
A lockable door or an “in use” sign, a curtain around the couch, and walls or doors that keep conversations private.
Chaperones
Follow your clinic’s chaperone policy for intimate examinations such as transvaginal scans, and record who was present.
Hand hygiene
A clinical hand-wash sink in or next to the room, with soap and paper towels, and alcohol hand rub at the couch.
Probe reprocessing
A defined area for cleaning and disinfecting probes that keeps used and clean probes apart, with ventilation if liquid disinfectants are used.
Read next Probe cleaning and disinfection
Storage and supplies
- Gel, sterile gel sachets and a clean gel warmer within reach of the scanning hand.
- Probe covers, couch roll, wipes and gloves in closed storage, away from splashes.
- Probe holders on the machine or wall so probes are never left lying on the couch.
- A clinical waste bin, and a sharps bin if you do guided procedures.
Read next Gel, covers and accessoriesUltrasound for GP clinics
Related guides
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Frequently asked questions
How big should a clinic ultrasound room be?
Why are ultrasound rooms kept dim?
Does an ultrasound room need radiation shielding?
How can sonographers avoid shoulder and wrist pain?
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