What Is Ultrasound?
Ultrasound
is an imaging procedure that uses very high-frequency sound waves to
produce an image of many of the internal structures of the body. It
is painless and produces very precise images of certain parts of the
body.
Why Is Ultrasound Performed?
Ultrasound uses high performance digital
sound waves, not X-rays. For certain areas of the body these sound waves
can image as well or better than other imaging devices. These sound
waves are harmless and may be used with complete
safety, even on pregnant women.
Abdominal ultrasound looks at internal organs
such as gall bladder, kidney, or liver to assess pain or other symptoms.
Pelvic ultrasound in females looks primarily
at the uterus and ovaries, but the bladder may also be visualized. In
males, the pelvic ultrasound usually focuses on the bladder and the
prostate gland.
Vascular ultrasound looks at the blood vessels
in the neck arms, or legs to detect narrow or blocked arteries, or blood
clots in the veins.
What Can I Expect During An Abdominal
Ultrasound Examination?
The patient is positioned by the sonographer
(technologist who performs the exam) on an examination table. A clear
warm gel is applied to the skin over the area to be examined. This helps
to transmit the sound waves by excluding air and will not harm your
skin or your clothes. A soft covered device called a transducer is gently
moved over the skin surface by the sonographer and images are produced
on a monitor.
What Can I Expect During A Pelvic Or
Transvaginal Ultrasound Examination?
The
patient lies on a table with the abdominal area exposed and with a full
bladder. The sonographer (technologist who
performs the exam) will put a clear warm
gel on the skin surface. The gel helps to transmit the sound waves by
excluding air and will not harm your skin or your clothes. An instrument
call a transducer is gently moved over the skin surface by the sonographer.
Pelvic ultrasound may include a transvaginal
ultrasound to better see the ovaries and uterus. In this exam the patient
is asked to empty the bladder. The patient will then be asked to place
a covered transvaginal transducer (approximately the size and shape
of a tampon) into the vagina, or if the patient would prefer, this will
be placed by the female sonographer. The sonographer will then gently
manipulate the transducer to provide an internal ultrasound examination.
This is not painful and is the best way to evaluate the ovaries and
uterus.
What Can I Expect During A Vascular (Doppler)
Examination?
The patient will lie or sit on a table and
the sonographer will put a clear warm gel on the skin surface of the
area to be studied. The gel helps to transmit the sound waves by excluding
air and will not harm your skin or your clothes. The sonographer will
then gently press a transducer along the area. If the test is done on
your neck, your head will be turned to the side, as if you were looking
over your shoulder.
During the doppler ultrasound you may hear
a "swooshing" noise. This is the sound of your blood flowing. You may
also see tracings of your blood flow on the screen. These are normal
occurrences.
How Long Will My Ultrasound Examination
Take?
The abdominal ultrasound will take about
20 minutes. The pelvic ultrasound and the vascular (doppler) ultrasound
will take about 30 minutes.
Is The Ultrasound Examination Safe?
We provide state of
the art equipment with high performance digital ultrasound with duplex
and color doppler. The Radiologists and technologists (sonographers)
have extensive experience and training in ultrasound. Since ultrasound
uses sound waves rather than radiation, it is harmless.
Do I Need A Referral (Prescription) To
Have My Ultrasound Examination?
Yes, your doctor must provide a referral
(prescription) in order for you to receive a examination. In addition,
some insurance carriers or HMO’s require a precertification. Please
discuss this with your doctor and your insurance company or HMO prior
to your test.
When Will I Know The Results Of My Examination?
A Radiologist will review your study before
you leave the Center to determine if the information is complete. Preliminary
results will be sent promptly to your physician and a detailed written
report of the procedure, findings, and results will follow within several
days. Your physician will then call you to discuss the results. Urgent
results will be telephoned immediately to your doctor.
What Should I Do to Prepare for an Ultrasound
Exam?
Did you know?
