Ultrasound

Service Overview

What is an Ultrasound?

Ultrasound scanning also called “ultrasound imaging” or “sonography” is a method of obtaining images from inside the human body through the use of high-frequency sound waves. The sound waves are recorded and displayed as a live image. Because ultrasound images are captured in real-time, they can show movement of internal tissues and organs, and enable physicians to see blood flow.

When is an Ultrasound Used?

Ultrasounds are used for a variety of reasons, one of the most common being during pregnancy to obtain pictures of a baby in the womb. Other common exams include:

  • Abdomen
  • Abdominal Doppler
  • Pelvis
  • Renal transplant
  • Testicular
  • Thyroid
  • Transvaginal
  • Evaluation of the kidneys, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, and blood vessels of the abdomen
  • Rule out masses and aneurysms

Specialized Exams

There are a number of specialized exams ultrasounds are used for:

  • Extensive diagnostic OB
  • Thyroid biopsies
  • Liver biopsies
  • Soft tissue biopsies

Because ultrasounds provide real-time images, they can also be used to:

  • Guide procedures such as needle biopsies, in which a needle is used to sample cells from an organ for laboratory testing.
  • Help a physician determine the source of abdominal pain, such as stones in the gallbladder or appendix, or an inflamed appendix.
  • Help identify the cause of enlargement of the abdominal organ.

Doppler Ultrasound is a special type of ultrasound study that is used in the examination of major blood vessels. These images can help the physician to see and evaluate:

  • Blockages to blood flow, such as clots.
  • Build-up of plaque inside the vessel.
  • Congenital malformations.

With knowledge about the speed and volume of blood flow gained from ultrasound imaging, the physician often can determine whether you are a good candidate for a procedure such as angioplasty.

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Preparation

How to Prepare for Your Ultrasound Exam

Preparations will vary depending on the kind of exam you are having performed: For any ultrasound please plan on arriving 30 minutes prior to your appointment for patient registration.

  1. Abdominal ultrasound
    • Nothing to eat or drink after midnight (or at least six hours prior to your exam).
  2. Abdominal and pelvic ultrasound (scheduled together)
    • Nothing to eat at least six (6) hours prior to your exam.
    • Drink 32 ounces of water one hour prior to your exam. Please do not empty your bladder.
  3. Pelvic ultrasound
    • Drink 32 ounces of water one (1) hour prior to your exam. Please do not empty your bladder as a full bladder is necessary for your exam.
  4. OB (Pregnancy) Ultrasound
    • Drink 32 ounces of water one (1) hour prior to your exam. Please do not empty your bladder as a full bladder is necessary for your exam.
  5. OB (Pregnancy) Ultrasound-2nd Trimester Only
    • Drink 24 ounces of water one (1) hour prior to your exam. Please do not empty your bladder as a full bladder is necessary for the exam.
  6. Renal (kidney) ultrasound
    • Drink 16 ounces of water prior to your exam. A full bladder is helpful, so if possible, please refrain from emptying your bladder.
  7. Guided biopsy of the Thyroid, Soft tissue and Liver 
    • Please refrain from aspirin products five (5) days prior to your exam.
    • No other preparation required.
    • Prior ultrasound needed.

The following ultrasounds do not require any preparation:

  • Carotid
  • Thyroid
  • Venous Doppler (DVT)
  • Scrotum/Testicular