Ultrasound

Ultrasound is a technique that transmits sound waves into the body, captures their reflections, and transforms them into an image that the radiologist can read. Ultrasound does not use radiation or dyes. The sound waves are produced and received by a small "transducer" that resembles a microphone. You relax during the procedure on a regular examination table, while the transducer passes over the part of your body that is being examined.

Abdominal Ultrasound

OB or GYN Ultrasound

Vascular Ultrasound

What is an Abdominal Ultrasound?

An abdominal ultrasound is a non-invasive way to examine organs in your abdomen. During this procedure, high-frequency sound waves are used to form images of the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, aorta, and/or kidneys.

Why do I need it?

There are a variety of reasons for abdominal ultrasounds. They can:

• determine the cause of abdominal pain;
• detect gallstones;
• determine the cause of blocked urine flow or look for kidney stones;
• determine whether a mass is solid or fluid-filled;
• help identify the cause of enlargement of an abdominal organ;
• evaluate the kidneys, aorta, liver and/or pancreas.

What are the risks of an ultrasound?

Ultrasound is an extremely safe imaging procedure. You are not exposed to radiation during this test.

How do I prepare?

You should not eat or drink after midnight on the evening prior to your examination. If your examination is scheduled for theafternoon, you should refrain from eating or drinking
anything for six hours prior to the test. You may,however, take any necessary medications with a small amount of water.

What can I expect during the test?

You may be asked to change into a hospital gown. Next, you will lie down on the exam table and a specially trained technologist will apply a lubricating gel to your abdomen. A handheld device called a “transducer” is then placed and moved around on the area being examined. The discomfort is minimal, depending if your abdomen is sensitive to touch. You may be asked to move into different positions or to hold your breath for short periods of time during the examination. The procedure takes an estimated 30 minutes.

How do I find out the results?

When the exam is over, you may be asked to wait until the images are reviewed to determine if more images are needed. A final report will be sent to your health care provider who will discuss the results with you.

What is an OB or GYN Ultrasound?

It is a test during which high frequency sound waves are used to form images of
your unborn baby and/or pelvic organs.

Why do I need it?

OB ultrasounds are used to evaluate your unborn baby in order to:

• Estimate the dating of a pregnancy;
• diagnose abnormalities;
• determine the position of the baby and placenta;
• determine if there are multiple pregnancies;
• evaluate the amount of amniotic fluid present;
• determine the appropriate growth of the baby.

GYN ultrasounds are used to diagnose:

• ovarian cysts or masses;
• fibroids in the uterus;
• the cause of pelvic pain.

What are the risks of an ultrasound?

Ultrasound is an extremely safe imaging procedure. There is no exposure to radiation during this exam.

How do I prepare?

For GYN pelvic ultrasound, you should come with a full bladder. Drink 32 ounces of water one hour prior to the exam. Transvaginal and obstetric ultrasound do not require any preparation. Please refrain from bringing small children to either of these exams.

What can I expect during the test?

You will lie down on the exam table and a specially trained technologist (sonographer) will apply a lubricating gel to your abdomen. Next the technologist will move a handheld device called a transducer around your abdomen. If you are having a transvaginal ultrasound, a probe will be inserted a short distance into your vaginal canal using lubricating gel for comfort.

How do I find out the results?

When the exam is over, you may be asked to wait until the images are reviewed to determine if more images are needed. A final report will be sent to your health care provider who will discuss the results with you.

What is Vascular Ultrasound?

Vascular ultrasound is an effective, non-invasive way to evaluate your body’s circulatory system. During this test, high frequency sound waves that reflect off your blood vessels are used to create images and listen to pulses.

Why do I need it?

This procedure is used for a variety of reasons including:

• To evaluate for blockages to blood flow, such as clots in veins and plaque in arteries;
• To determine the success of a procedure—for example after graft or bypass surgery or after placement of a vascular stent;
• To examine the carotid arteries that feed thebrain to look for narrowing or plaque that may lead to a stroke;
• To evaluate abdominal blood vessels such as the aorta (for an aneurysm) or arteries of the kidneys (for blockages or narrowing).

What are the risks of an ultrasound?

Ultrasound is an extremely safe imaging procedure. There is no radiation exposure and no
known side effects.

How do I prepare?

You should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for your ultrasound examination. Generally no preparation is needed unless your abdominal vessels are being evaluated.
Your physician will inform you of any need to fast prior to the procedure.

What can I expect during the test?

You may be asked to change into a hospital gown. Next, you will lie down on the exam table and a specially trained technologist will apply a lubricating gel to the area being examined. A handheld device called a “transducer” is placed on the area being examined.
The vascular technologist will then press the transducer firmly against your skin and sweep the area of interest. You may be asked to move into different positions or to hold your breath for short periods of time during the examination. Blood pressure cuffs may also be applied to your legs and arms to obtain pressure readings. The procedure takes an estimated 30-60 minutes.

How do I find out the results?

When the exam is over, you may be asked to wait until the images are reviewed to determine if more images are needed. A final report will be sent to your health care provider who will discuss the results with you.