Ultrasound

What is Ultrasound?

Ultrasound is defined as sound with a frequency greater than 20,000 hertz, above the range audible to the human ear. An ultrasound exam, or sonogram, is a safe and generally non-invasive procedure that utilizes high-frequency sound waves to image an internal body structure.

Common uses:

• Abdomen: Ultrasound can be used to detect gallstones and check the health of the liver, kidneys, pancreas, and spleen.
• Blood Vessels: Ultrasound exams can reveal enlargements in vessels, blood clots or narrowing of arteries leading to the brain, which could result in stroke.
• Pelvis: Ultrasound is used to image the uterus, ovaries and other structures within the pelvis. It may assist in determining the source of pain or bleeding in the female pelvis.
• Soft Tissues: Ultrasound can locate lumps in organs and tissues, and can often distinguish the difference between fluid-filled cysts and solid nodules. It is frequently used to guide a needle biopsy (removal of tissue using a needle instead of surgery),
• Pregnancy: Ultrasound is regarded as the Gold Standard diagnostic exam for monitoring pregnancy.

Safety

For standard diagnostic ultrasound there are no known harmful effects on humans. Ultrasound imaging uses no ionizing radiation.

Preparing for Your Ultrasound Exam

What should I expect BEFORE my ultrasound exam?
You will receive specific instructions based on the type of ultrasound you are undergoing. In general, the following guidelines apply.

Can I eat or drink before the exam?

• If you are having an abdominal ultrasound, you should have been instructed not to eat or drink anything 8 hours prior to your exam.
• If you are having a bladder ultrasound, you need to drink 1½ quarts of water 90 minutes before the exam. Once you start drinking you may not void until after the exam is complete.
• Other ultrasound exams such as thyroid, scrotal, and vascular studies do not require any preparation.

When should I arrive?
You should arrive 20 minutes prior to your appointment time. Go to registration unless otherwise instructed.

What should I wear?
You should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. You will have the option to change in to a gown.

What will I experience DURING my ultrasound exam?
You will be greeted by a sonographer - a health care professional specially trained in the use of ultrasound. The sonographer will apply a gel to the skin over the area being examined. The gel maximizes contact between the transducer (a microphone-like device) and the skin, thereby producing high quality images.

The sonographer then passes the transducer over the targeted area and obtains the desired diagnostic data. Depending on the type of exam, you may have to lie still, change positions, hold your breath, or perform simple breathing exercises.

Transvaginal Ultrasound is a specialized test that can provide better images than traditional Ultrasound or other diagnostic methods. For these exams a smaller, specially designed transducers may be inserted into the vagina.

What should I expect AFTER my ultrasound exam?
When finished, the sonographer cleans off the gel and verifies that the images are complete.

Ultrasound Exam Results

All ultrasound exams are read by a radiologist specially trained in ultrasound imaging and dedicated to the specific area of interest for your study.

Rapid results are essential not only for your peace-of-mind, but also for your physician to begin planning your treatment immediately, if necessary. After the test has been read, the results are sent to your provider, who will discuss them with you.