Ultrasound
What is Ultrasound?
An Ultrasound examination uses high frequency sound waves (beyond
the range of human hearing) to obtain images of your organs and
blood vessels. These sound waves are emitted by a small, hand-held transducer
placed on your skin. The sound waves are then bounced back from different
internal structures and received by the hand-held transducer. These reflections,
or echoes, are then converted electronically to a constantly changing image
on a video screen.
Why do an Ultrasound exam?
Ultrasound exams can offer anatomic images of structures in the
body without using radiation. There are several types of ultrasound
examinations:
- Abdominal Ultrasound - An abdominal ultrasound exam looks at one or more of the organs in your abdomen (e.g. liver, pancreas, gall bladder, etc.) This is done for many reasons (pain, abnormal lab tests, enlargement of blood vessels, etc.). Preparation may include not having anything to eat or drink for several hours before this exam.
- Obstetrical Ultrasound - This exam provides an evaluation of the fetal/embryo development and well being. The exam usually requires a patient to initially have a full bladder. Additionally, in the early states of pregnancy, a transvaginal exam may also be performed with the bladder empty.
- Pelvic Ultrasound - A pelvic ultrasound exam evaluates the uterus and/or ovaries and may even be done after surgical removal of these structures to evaluate surrounding tissues. A transvaginal sonogram is often done as part of this exam to get a much closer look at a specific area. Usually the preparation for this exam is for the patient to arrive with a full bladder.
- Vascular Ultrasound – Vascular ultrasound examinations use both standard real- time imaging and Doppler flow assessment to investigate blood flow in many parts of the body. Common reasons for this exam include ruling out a clot in a limb, checking blood flow to the head through the carotid arteries in the neck, or assessing the size of the abdominal aorta.
- Other Ultrasound exams - Other body parts frequently examined by ultrasound include the thyroid, breast, and scrotum.
How is an ultrasound exam performed?
When you arrive for your examination, you may be asked to change into an examination gown. This will allow the area of interest to be scanned without interference from your clothing. A gel will be applied to your skin to allow the transducer to slide easily and assure better contact. The gel will be wiped off when the examination is completed. The sonographer may ask questions about your medical history in order to obtain a better examination. Ultrasound is painless and there are no known risks related to the use of diagnostic ultrasound.
How do I prepare for my Ultrasound examination?
Preparations for ultrasound examinations are tailored to the patient,
the examination objectives, and the type of transducer that will
be used. Your doctor’s office will inform you of the specific preparations
for your examination – adherence to preparation guidelines is critical
for a high quality, diagnostic examination. For more detailed instructions, please read the list below.
- Breast Ultrasound - (no preparation required)
- Abdomen (Aorta,Gallbladder, etc.) - Nothing to eat or drink after midnight. (Oral medications permitted)
No chewing gum.
- Kidney - Nothing to eat 4-6 hours before exam. If possible drink 24 ozs. of water 1 hour prior to exam. Do not empty bladder for 1 hour before exam.
- Obstetrical, Pelvic - Drink at least 32 ozs. of any beverage 2 hours before exam. Complete drinking 1 hour before exam. Do not empty bladder for 2 hours prior to exam. Please note date of last menstrual period.
- DVT, Carotid, Thyroid, Testicular - No Preparation needed
How will I receive my results?
The images from your examination will be interpreted by one of our Board Certified radiologists with expertise in ultrasound. The results will be communicated to your doctor who will discuss them with you.