WHAT IS AN ULTRASOUND? back to top
An ultrasound is a diagnostic procedure that uses high frequency sound waves to image the body. Unlike an x-ray, an ultrasound procedure does not use radiation. Instead, a small microphone-like transducer is placed on the area of interest. High frequency sound waves are emitted and produce echoes from the internal tissues and organs. The transducer converts the echoes to electric signals to create an image.
IS ULTRASOUND FOR EVERYONE? back to top
Most patients can be imaged using ultrasound. However, due to differences in
body frames, size, etc., other diagnostic tools may be necessary in addition to
the ultrasound. Further, bones and any structures that contain gas or air cannot
be imaged using ultrasound because of the way the sound waves interact with
these substances.
If you are pregnant or breast feeding, please inform your physician and center
personnel prior to your procedure.
HOW DO I PREPARE FOR THE ULTRASOUND PROCEDURE?
- We request that you arrive thirty minutes prior to your scheduled procedure time to complete paperwork and to change clothes if necessary.
- We recommend that you wear comfortable, washable clothing. You may be given a clinic gown and asked to undress from the waist up or waist down.
- Always follow the instructions given when your appointment is scheduled. For abdominal or gallbladder ultrasound, do not eat or drink after midnight the night before your procedure.
- For a pelvic or first trimester obstetrical ultrasound, a full bladder is needed to conduct the procedure. Thus, you will be instructed by scheduling personnel to consume 32 ounces of water an hour prior to your appointment time.
- For all other ultrasound examinations, typically no special preparations are necessary.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT DURING THE ULTRASOUND PROCEDURE?
- During the procedure, you will lie on an exam table and the technologist will assist you into the proper position.
- The technologist will apply a warm gel to the skin of the examined area. This process enhances the quality of the images.
- A transducer will be placed on the skin and moved around to obtain different images.
- The images will appear on the TV monitor and will be printed on imaging film for review by the radiologist.
- If you are having a pelvic or first trimester OB ultrasound, a special imaging transducer may also be used. This transducer is placed inside the vagina. Using this method, detailed images provide additional information for a more accurate evaluation.
- Our goal is to provide you with a pleasant and comfortable Ultrasound procedure. If you are uncomfortable in any way, please inform your technologist.
HOW LONG WILL THE ULTRASOUND PROCEDURE TAKE? back to top
The length of your ultrasound will depend on the type of procedure your physician has ordered. Abdomen, gallbladder, kidney, pelvis, breast, thyroid, and testicular ultrasounds usually take thirty minutes or less. Obstetrical ultrasounds take approximately forty-five minutes. Doppler exams, which evaluate the blood flow in your vessels, last from forty-five minutes to one and one-half hours, depending on which blood vessels are studied.
WHEN DO I GET MY ULTRASOUND RESULTS? back to top
Our highly skilled certified technologists will provide the imaging films to a radiologist to evaluate. The radiologist will study your results and dictate a report, which then typically will be forwarded to your physician within twenty-four to forty-eight hours.
