What is an Ultrasound?

Ultrasound is a diagnostic procedure that uses high frequency sound waves. As the sound travels through the body, echoes are produced. The returning echoes are used to produce an image of your internal anatomy or blood flow.

Ultrasound is a painless procedure, there is no radiation involved and limited preparation is necessary prior to the exam. Ultrasound imaging plays an important role in the evaluation of internal organs, pregnancy, blockage in arteries or veins, as well as breast imaging.

Preparation

The preparation for ultrasound exams vary with the type of test ordered by a doctor. Although a large number of exams do not require any special preparation, exams that do require preparation need to be followed carefully. As a procedure is scheduled, the referring doctor office will provide detailed preparation instructions.

Abdominal Ultrasound: Abdominal ultrasound imaging is best done during a period of time where the patient has not had anything to eat or drink for 4-6 hours.

Pelvis: Pelvic ultrasound requires a patient to have a full bladder during the exam. A full or distended bladder will act as a window so that the pelvic structures which are hidden otherwise can be fully examined during the scan. It is recommended that patients drink 32 ounces of water one hour prior to the scheduled exam and do not urinate until the exam is complete.

Obstetrical: If a scan request is related to an obstetrical examination, specific direction will be needed based the estimated gestational dates of a pregnancy.

The Procedure

Ultrasound procedure times vary, but are usually between 30 and 60 minutes. The patient will be asked to change into a gown if we are scanning the abdominal area. The technologist will use the transducer to take a number of scans in several different planes. As a scan is conducted, technologists attempt to identify and optimize the anatomy without the presence of any unnecessary interference, like overlapping structures or gas.

After The Exam

After the exam, images will be read by a member of the radiologist team. The results of the exam will be sent to the referring physician.

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