About Ultrasounds

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Ultrasound

Ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to examine the organs, tissues and blood vessels of the body.

Ultrasound is a safe, diagnostic imaging exam.  It does not use radiation or have any known harmful effects.

Types of Ultrasounds

 
General ultrasound

General:

Images internal organs, most commonly used to assess the abdomen, pelvis, urinary system and soft tissue structures.

Vascular ultrasound

Vascular:

Uses Doppler technology to assess blood flow in the veins.

Obstetrics ultrasound

Obstetrics:

Determines the presence of an embryo, anatomy and growth of the fetus.

Breasts ultrasound

Breast: 

Used to help diagnose breast lumps or other abnormalities found by you or your physician.

How is the procedure performed?

 

 For most ultrasound exams, the patient is positioned lying face-up on an examination table that can be tilted or moved. A clear water-based gel is applied to the area of the body being studied to help the transducer make secure contact with the body and eliminate air pockets between the transducer and the skin that can block the sound waves from passing into your body.

The sonographer (ultrasound technologist) then presses the transducer firmly against the skin in various locations, sweeping over the area of interest or angling the sound beam from a farther location to better see an area of concern.

Most ultrasound examinations are completed within 30 minutes to an hour.

 

How should I prepare?

 
 

Preparation Instructions:

PELVIC, BLADDER, RENAL ULTRASOUND (female or male): 1 ½ hours before your appointment, empty bladder. Finish drinking four 8 oz. glasses of water 1 hour prior to your appointment. Do not empty your bladder again until your exam is completed.
ABDOMINAL ULTRASOUND: Do not take anything to eat or drink for 8-10 hours prior to examination (except medications with a small amount of water).
ABDOMINAL PLUS PELVIC ULTRASOUND: Fast for 8-10 hours but drink water as per the pelvic ultrasound instructions. Do not empty bladder again until your exam is completed.
THYROID, BREAST, SCROTAL, SHOULDER or SOFT TISSUE ULTRASOUND: No preparation required.
PREGNANCY ULTRASOUND:

  • Early (up to 10 weeks): 1 ½ hours before your appointment, empty bladder. Finish drinking four 8 oz. glasses of water 1 hour prior to your appointment. Do not empty your bladder again until your exam is completed.

  • Mid (10-20 weeks): 1 hour before your appointment, empty bladder. Finish drinking three 8 oz. glasses of water 1 hour prior to your appointment. Do not empty your bladder again until your exam is completed.

  • Late (after 20 weeks): 1 hour before your appointment, empty bladder and finish drinking one 8 oz. glass of water. Do not empty your bladder again until your exam is completed.

MAMMOGRAPHY: Avoiding caffeine 3-4 days prior to your examination may significantly decrease discomfort during the test. Do not use deodorant, talcum powder or glitter-containing products on the day of examination.