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 much 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, noninvasive way to examine internal organs, blood vessels, and structures throughout the body.
Advantages include:
Bariatric Imaging
Cleaner, deeper penetration provides unparalleled resolution. Visualizes higher resolution from near to far field throughout the field of view.
Doppler
3D / 4D volume transducer and auto doppler provide reduced scan time while improving accuracy.
ULTRASOUND AND VASCULAR SERVICES
Obstetrics, transvaginal, prostate, testicular
Abdominal, pelvic, renal, thyroid, etc.
Non-Invasive Vascular Imaging
Color flow Doppler, cerebrovascular, vertebrobasilar
Arterial/venous Doppler of upper and lower extremities
Carotid imaging
Renal Doppler
Abdominal aorta
ultrasound exams & PREPARATION
HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR THIS PROCEDURE?
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Depending on the type of ultrasound exam you have, you may be asked not to eat or drink for up to 12 hours before your appointment. You may also be asked to 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.
See the reference guide below for your specific ultrasound exam.
Exam
ABDOMINAL ULTRASOUND
RENAL (RETROPERITONEAL) ULTRASOUND
BLADDER ULTRASOUND
PROSTATE ULTRASOUND
PELVIC ULTRASOUND
OB 1st TRIMESTER (PREGNANCY)
OB 2nd/3rd TRIMESTER (PREGNANCY)
PELVIC TRANSVAGINAL ULTRASOUND
THYROID ULTRASOUND
SOFT TISSUE NECK ULTRASOUND
SOFT TISSUE BODY ULTRASOUND
TESTICULAR (SCROTAL) ULTRASOUND
PAROTID GLAND ULTRASOUND
CAROTID (EXTRACRANIAL) ULTRASOUND
AORTA ULTRASOUND
VENOUS LOWER EXTREMITIES (DVT)
VENOUS UPPER EXTREMITIES ULTRASOUND
ARTERIAL LOWER EXTREMITIES ULTRASOUND
ARTERIAL UPPER EXTREMITIES ULTRASOUND
Preparation
FASTING 8-10 HOURS BEFORE EXAM
DRINK 32 Oz of WATER 1 HOUR BEFORE EXAM
DRINK 32 Oz of WATER 1 HOUR BEFORE EXAM
DRINK 32 Oz of WATER 1 HOUR BEFORE EXAM
DRINK 32 Oz of WATER 1 HOUR BEFORE EXAM
DRINK 32 Oz of WATER 1 HOUR BEFORE EXAM
NO PREPARATION
NO PREPARATION
NO PREPARATION
NO PREPARATION
NO PREPARATION
NO PREPARATION
NO PREPARATION
NO PREPARATION
NO PREPARATION
NO PREPARATION
NO PREPARATION
NO PREPARATION
NO PREPARATION
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. 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. For more information on this topic, please visit www.radiologyinfo.org.
