Ultrasound

Ultrasound

An ultrasound uses sound waves to examine the structure and function of your organs. The scan can take 30-45 minutes to complete. To prepare for an abdominal ultrasound your doctor may ask that you fast. Ultrasounds are commonly used to monitor pregnancy and can diagnose issues in the breast, eyes, thyroid, skin, and muscles.

What to Expect

For this type of exam, you will most likely be lying down on a table with a section of your body exposed for the test.
An ultrasound technician, called a sonographer, will apply a special lubricating jelly to your skin. This prevents friction so they can rub the ultrasound transducer on your skin. The transducer has a similar appearance to a microphone. The jelly also helps transmit the sound waves.

The transducer sends high-frequency sound waves through your body. The waves echo as they hit a dense object, such as an organ or bone. Those echoes are then reflected back into a computer. The sound waves are at too high of a pitch for the human ear to hear. They form a picture that can be interpreted by the doctor.

Depending on the area being examined, you may need to change positions so the technician can have better access.

After the procedure, the gel will be cleaned off of your skin. The whole procedure typically lasts less than 30 minutes, depending on the area being examined. You will be free to go about your normal activities after the procedure has finished.

Preparation

The steps you will take to prepare for an ultrasound will depend on the area or organ that is being examined.

• You will need to fast for 8 to 12 hours before your ultrasound, especially if organs in your abdomen area are being examined. Undigested food can block the sound waves, making it difficult for the technician to get a clear picture. These exams should be performed as early in the morning as possible.
• For other examinations, you may be asked to drink a lot of water and to hold your urine so that your bladder is full and better visualized.
• Some exams do not require any special preparation. One of our representatives will call prior to your appointment to provide special instructions if needed.

Ultrasound specialty exams

• LIVER ELASTOGRAPHY 
• VASCULAR STUDIES- DOPPLER
• TRANSRECTAL SONOGRAM
• ECHO DOPPLER
• RENAL ARTERY DOPPLER

Ultrasound exams

• ABDOMEN COMPLETE (ALL ORGANS)
• BLADDER
• BREAST
• SOFT TISSUE 
• OB 1ST TRIMESTER
• PARATHYROID
• PROSTATE
• TRANS-ABDOMINAL
• PELVIC
• RENAL
• TESTICULAR
• THYROID
• TRANSVAGINAL