Our Imaging Services

Ultrasound

Ultrasound

Ultrasound imaging, also known as Ultrasonography, is a method of obtaining diagnostic images from inside the human body through the use of high-frequency sound waves.

Ultrasonography is used as a diagnostic tool that can assist radiologists and technologists with making recommendations for further treatment.

How To Prepare for an Ultrasound

  • Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.
  • Depending on the type of ultrasound exam you have, you will be asked:
    • Not to eat or drink for up to 12 hours before your appointment, or
    • Drink up to six glasses of water two hours before your exam and avoid urinating. This will ensure a full bladder when the exam begins.

How Ultrasounds Are Used

  • Viewing an unborn fetus
  • Examining internal organs, including the liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, bladder, uterus, and ovaries.
  • Show movement of internal tissues and organs (i.e., enable radiologists to see blood flow).
  • Used complementary with other procedures such as needle biopsies
  • Evaluate superficial structures, such as the thyroid gland and scrotum

What To Expect During Your Ultrasound

The examination usually takes less than 30 minutes. After being positioned on the exam table, a clear gel is applied in the area being examined. This helps the transducer make contact with the skin. The technologist firmly presses the transducer against the skin and moves it back and forth to image the area of interest. The technologist is able to review the ultrasound images in real time.

Most ultrasound exams are painless. Gel is applied to your skin and there may be varying degrees of discomfort during the exam due to probe pressure.

Specific Ultrasound Exam Preparations

Upper (Complete) Abdomen Ultrasound

The preparation for this exam is 8-12 hours without food or drink.

Limited (Right Upper Quadrant) Abdomen Ultrasound

The preparation for this exam is 8-12 hours without food or drink.

Aorta Ultrasound

The preparation for this exam is 8 hours without food or drink.

Carotid Ultrasound

There is no specific preparation for this exam.

Pelvic Ultrasound / Transvaginal Ultrasound

The preparation for this exam involves having a full bladder by drinking 6-8 glasses of fluid 1-2 hours before the exam.

Bladder Ultrasound

The preparation for this exam involves having a full bladder by drinking 6-8 glasses of fluid 1-2 hours before the exam.

Renal Ultrasound

The preparation for this exam is to hydrate for 6 hours before the exam and no food for 6-8 hours before the exam.

Renal Artery Doppler

The preparation for this exam is to hydrate for 6 hours before the exam and no food for 6-8 hours before the exam.

Testicular Ultrasound

There is no specific preparation for this exam.

Thyroid Ultrasound

There is no specific preparation for this exam.

Thyroid Biopsy

There is no specific preparation for this exam.

Obstetric Ultrasound

There is no specific preparation for this exam.

Venous Leg

There is no specific preparation for this exam.

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