Ultrasound
What is Ultrasound Imaging?
Ultrasound imaging, also called sonography, is a method of obtaining diagnostic images from inside the human body through the use of high frequency sound waves.
What are some common uses of Ultrasound
- Viewing an unborn fetus.
- Examining many of the body's internal organs, including the heart, liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, and bladder.
- Show movement of internal tissues and organs, enable physicians to see blood flow and heart valve functions.
- Used to guide procedures such as needle biopsies.
- Image the breast and to guide biopsy of breast cancer.
- Evaluate superficial structures, such as the thyroid gland and scrotum (testicles).
How should I prepare for an Ultrasound?
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.
- Depending on the type of ultrasound exam you have, you will be asked:
- Not to eat or drink for up to 12 hours before your appointment, or
- Drink up to six glasses of water two hours prior to your exam and avoid urinating. This will ensure a full bladder when the exam begins.
What should I expect during this procedure?
The examination usually takes less than 30 minutes. After being positioned on the exam table, a clear gel is applied in the area being examined. This helps the transducer make contact with the skin. The technologist firmly presses the transducer against the skin and moves it back and forth to image the area of interest.
Our technologist will review the ultrasound images in real-time, then discuss them with the radiologist.
What will I experience during the procedure?
Most ultrasound exams are painless. The gel applied to your skin may be a bit cold and there may be varying degrees of discomfort and pressure as the technologist guides the transducer over the area being examined.
For more information on this topic, please visit www.Radiologyinfo.org.
