Diagnostic ultrasound also called sonography is a way to create images of anatomic areas for the purposes of measurement or diagnosis. Ultrasound images are captured in real- time showing structure and movement of the body's internal organs. It uses no radiation but instead transmits high frequency sound waves of the body, which are processed by a computer into pictures which are interpreted by one of our radiologist. This exam is painless, and there are no harmful effects at the low intensities used by our modern ultrasound equipment.
There are many ultrasound examinations of the body's internal organs, including:
Heart and blood vessels, including abdominal aorta and its major branches
Liver
Spleen
Gallbadder
Pancreas
Bladder
Kidneys
Uterus, Overies, unborn fetus in pregnant patients
Thyroid & parathyroid glands
Testicles
Ultrasound is also used to guide procedures such as needle biopsies which is used to examine cells from abnormal area for testing, image guided breast biopsy and a variety of heart conditions.
Ultrasound Services / Preparations
Abdomen: Nothing by mouth 6 hrs prior to exam.
Pelvis: Drink plenty of fluids (approximately 40 oz or 8 glasses of liquid) 1-2 hours prior to exam. Do NOT empty bladder.
OB: Drink plenty of fluids (approximately 40 oz or 8 glasses of liquid) 1-2 hours prior to exam. Do NOT empty bladder.
Carotid
Venous
Scan Time: 30-45 Minutes
Abdominal ultrasound
This exam is used to evaluate the upper abdominal area, including the liver, kidneys, gallbladder, common bile duct, pancreas, spleen, aorta, and inferior vena cava. It is very important to not have anything to eat or drink before this exam. A minimum of 6 hours of fasting prior to the exam time is required as ultrasound can not penetrate bowel gas.
It is recommended to wear loose fitting clothing for easy access to the abdomen.
This exam will take approximately 30 - 45 minutes.
Renal (kidney) ultrasound
This exam is used to evaluate the kidneys, bladder, aorta, and inferior vena cava. A minimum of 6 hours of fasting prior to the exam time is required. To properly evaluate the bladder, it is most helpful to have a full bladder. Approximately one hour before your exam time drink 24 oz of clear liquids, and do not empty your bladder before having your ultrasound. It is recommended to wear loose fitting clothing for easy access to the abdominal area.
This exam will take approximately 30 - 45 minutes.
Pelvic ultrasound
This exam is used to evaluate the structures of the lower abdomen/pelvis, such as the uterus and ovaries. A full bladder is required for this exam in order to visualize the uterus and ovaries.
The prep for the exam is to have finished drinking 40 oz of clear liquids one hour prior to arrival time. Do not empty your bladder before having your ultrasound. Loose fitting and comfortable clothing is recommended. If a transvaginal pelvic ultrasound is needed you will be asked to empty your bladder, and will be given a gown to change into. A transvaginal pelvic ultrasound uses a special probe that is inserted into the vagina, much like having a pelvic exam in your doctor's office.
This exam will take approximately 30 - 45 minutes.
Obstetrical ultrasound
This type of ultrasound is used to evaluate the embryo or fetus, assessing its gestational age, documenting its heart beat, and well being.
What Should I wear?
Comfortable, loose fitting clothing. You may be asked to put on a gown for your exam.
