What is Ultrasound imaging?

Ultrasound imaging, also called ultrasonography or sonography, is a method of obtaining images from inside the human body through use of high-frequency sound waves.  The reflected sound wave echoes are recorded  and displayed as a real-time visual image.  No ionizing radiation (X-ray) is involved in ultrasound imaging.  Ultrasound scanning is noninvasive which means that it involves no needles or injections in most cases.

Ultrasound is a useful way of examining many of the body's internal organs, including but not limited to the heart, liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, bladder, aorta, thyroid, uterus and ovaries. 
Obstetric ultrasound refers to the specialized use of sound waves to visualize and determine the condition and well being of a pregnant woman and her embryo or fetus.

Blood flow can also be evaluated using diagnostic ultrasound.  Arteries and veins of the lower extremities, upper extremities, and carotid arteries in the neck are some common ultrasound doppler exams that are performed.

Doppler ultrasound is a special technique used to examine the blood flow and to evaluate the vessels for any blockages (such as clots) or narrowing of the vessels(which is caused by plaque).

Diagnostic ultrasound imaging should be performed by a registered diagnostic medical sonographer who is registered in the specialty exam areas that he or she is performing. 

What can I expect during my Ultrasound exam?

The sonographer or ultrasound technologist will begin by obtaining your medical history.  The patient will then be positioned on the exam table.  A clear gel is applied to the patient’s skin in the area to be examined to help the transducer make secure contact with the skin.  The sound waves produced by the transducer cannot penetrate air so the gel helps eliminate air pockets between the transducer and the skin.  The sonographer will press the transducer firmly against the skin and sweeps it back and forth to evaluate and image the area of interest.    Most ultrasound examinations are painlessand relatively easy for the patient.  Most exams take between 30 minutes to 60 minutes.  Once the exam is finished the patient is free to leave. 

The sonographer will write up their preliminary findings of the exam and then the radiologist will review all the images and dictate the final report.  A radiologist is a physician who has been specially trained in ultrasound as well as many other imaging modalities such as MRI, CT scan and General X-Ray.  The radiologist will dictate a final report with his or her interpretation.  A copy of the final report will then be sent to the patients referring physician. 

How do I prepare for my Ultrasound exam?

Abdomen, aorta, gallbladder, and pancreas scans require the patient to NOT eat or drink after midnight prior to their exam.

OB scans- patient should drink 32oz of fluid sixty (60) minutes prior to their scan and NOT empty their bladder.

Pelvic scans - patient should drink 32 oz of fluid sixty(60) minutes prior to their scan and not empty their bladder.

Thyroid, Kidneys, Transvaginal and Scrotal scans require no preperation.

Vascular ultrasound exams such as Venous doppler, Arterial doppler and Carotid doppler also require no specific preperation.