Our Services

Ultrasound

What is an ultrasound?

Ultrasound imaging, also called ultrasound scanning or sonography, involves exposing part of the body to high-frequency sound waves to produce pictures of the inside of the body. Diagnostic ultrasound exams do not use ionizing radiation (x-ray). Because ultrasound images are captured in real-time, they can show the structure and movement of the body's internal organs.

How long will my diagnostic ultrasound take?

The length of your ultrasound exam depends on the particular study, or studies, your doctor has ordered. Most exams take 30 minutes to an hour.

Do I have to do anything special to prepare for my Ultrasound?

Only those diagnostic ultrasound exams listed below require preparation.

• Abdomen - Nothing by mouth 6-8 hours prior to exam.
• Pelvis or OB - Drink 32 ounces of water approximately one hour prior to exam. Do not empty bladder until your technologist instructs you to do so.
• Renal - Drink plenty of liquids.

What should I expect during the diagnostic ultrasound exam?

Most ultrasound examinations are painless, fast and easy. After you are positioned on the examination table, the sonographer will apply warm gel on your skin and then press the transducer firmly against your body, moving it over the area of interest until the desired images are captured. There may be varying degrees of discomfort from pressure as the transducer is pressed against the area being examined. If scanning is performed over an area of tenderness, you may feel pressure or minor pain from the procedure. Once the imaging is complete, the gel will be wiped off your skin. After an ultrasound exam, you should be able to resume your normal activities.

Pelvic Ultrasound Imaging - A pelvic ultrasound is ordered to take a closer look at the female reproductive organs. Frequently, a special probe will be used to get a more detailed look. This probe is placed into the vagina, and is called a transvaginal probe.

Obstetrical Ultrasound Imaging - Most often the purpose of this exam is to assess the number of babies in the uterus, age of pregnancy, baby's physical development, position of placenta and volume of fluid around the baby. During the second trimester of pregnancy, a detailed view of the baby's anatomy can be obtained. Our sonographer will be happy to point out your baby's features during the exam. Often the gender of the baby can be visualized at this time for those parents who wish to know.

Doppler Ultrasound Imaging - Doppler ultrasound is a special ultrasound technique that evaluates blood as it flows through a blood vessel, including the body's major arteries and veins in the abdomen, arms, legs and neck. You may hear pulse-like sounds that change in pitch as the blood flow is monitored and measured.

Breast Ultrasound/Biopsy - Breast ultrasound is commonly used to determine the nature of a breast abnormality, by sight or if necessary, by biopsy. In cases where an ultrasound or mammography cannot characterize the nature of a breast abnormality, your physician may order a breast biopsy. Because ultrasound imaging provides real time images, it is used to guide biopsy procedures to obtain a tissue sample of an abnormality to determine whether it is healthy or not.

How will I get my results?

After the ultrasound scan is complete, one of our sub-specialist radiologists, a medical doctor trained to interpret various imaging studies, will interpret the results of your ultrasound imaging scan and will send them to your doctor. Your physician will then discuss the results with you.

You can save time at check-in by completing our online pre-registration form.

If you would like to learn more about your specific procedure, visit radiologyinfo.org.