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:

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

  • Vascular:

    Uses Doppler technology to assess blood flow in the veins.

  • Obstetrics:

    This examination is used to confirm the presence of the baby in the uterus, estimate its age, assess for any abnormalities, determine fetal position, and evaluate the amount of amniotic fluid.

  • Breast:

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

  • Musculoskeletal Ultrasound:

    Used to help diagnose tendon injuries, joint disorders, ligament sprains, soft tissue masses and nerve entrapments.

How is the procedure performed?

 

For most ultrasound exams, you will lie on your back on an examination table, which may be adjusted or tilted as needed. A water-based gel is applied to the skin over the area being examined. This gel helps the ultrasound transducer (probe) make good contact with the skin and removes air pockets that can interfere with the sound waves.

The sonographer (ultrasound technologist) will then move the transducer over the area of interest, applying gentle pressure and changing the angle or position as needed to obtain the best images.

Most ultrasound examinations take 30 to 60 minutes to complete, depending on the type of exam and the area being evaluated.

 

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.