ultrasound

In place of radiation, ultrasound relies on high-frequency sound waves to create a digital image of internal organs and blood vessels below the skin. The sound waves come from a medical instrument called a transducer. The transducer emits sound waves, which bounce off internal structures like an echo in a large room. This echo is recorded by the transducer and transmitted to computer software, which analyzes the reflecting wave and reconstructs the data into the resulting image.

Ultrasound imaging gives physicians a safe, non-invasive look at internal organs, blood vessels, and structures throughout the body. Beyond fetal development, other applications for ultrasound include:

  • Thyroid

  • Kidneys

  • Pelvis

  • Breasts

  • Abdominal Organs

  • Obstetrics (1st, 2nd, 3rd trimesters)

  • Gallbladder

  • Prostate & Testicles

  • Arterial structures (upper & lower)

  • Venous exams (DVT)

ULTRASOUND AND VASCULAR SERVICES

Ultrasound

  • OB/GYN, transvaginal, prostate, testicular

  • Abdominal, pelvic, renal, thyroid, breast, etc.

Non-Invasive Vascular Imaging

  • Color flow Doppler, cerebrovascular, vertebrobasilar

  • Arterial/venous Doppler of upper and lower extremities

  • Carotid imaging

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR THIS PROCEDURE?

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, 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 to 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. Generally, the technologist is able to review the ultrasound images in real time, or when the examination is complete, and the gel is wiped off, you may be asked to dress and wait while the ultrasound images are reviewed, either on film or monitor.

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 your abdomen, especially if you are required to have a full bladder.