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FHDI: Ultrasound
Your doctor has referred you for an ultrasound exam. Ultrasound is a safe, efficient and comfortable outpatient procedure which helps your doctor evaluate your medical condition.
This brochure answers most questions about the ultrasound studies provided at First Hill Diagnostic Imaging. We invite you to study it and to ask any additional questions you may have before or after your examination.
Diagnostic ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce pictures pf the body's internal organs. You will be able to see these ultrasound pictures on a screen during the examination, and they will be filmed for a permanent record. Our radiologists will study these films, then dictate a report which will be sent to your doctor.
What to expect
For most ultrasound exams, you will be asked to change some of your clothing and wear a hospital gown.
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| The advantages of ultrasound include: |
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No X-rays |
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Noninvasive, except for Amniocentesis and Biopsies |
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No intravenous or oral contrast needed |
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No known health risks or side effects. |
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A warm gel will be applied to the skin. This clear gel conducts the sound beam and allows the ultrasound probe to pass smoothly over your skin. The gel will be removed after your examination, and it will not stain your skin or clothing.
There are no special precautions, warnings or contraindications for noninvasive ultrasound examinations.
How ultrasound imaging works
Your doctor tells us about your symptoms and possible diagnosis, and the sonographer (the medical person conducting your examination) will ask you additional questions about your symptoms, and then ultrasonically scan the area(s) of concern. Ultrasound studies are often used to determine the shape, size, position, or possible abnormalities of the organs within the abdomen and pelvis, or to study a pregnancy. Ultrasound is also used to study the anatomy of blood vessels and blood flow.
Ultrasound pictures are produced by directing a small beam of high-frequency sound waves at the organs being studied. The sound waves echo or bounce off the body's internal structures. The returning echoes are then received by the imaging equipment to produce pictures on a TV screen.
Abdominal and general ultrasound
Abdominal imaging is used on male and female patients of all ages to assess the internal organs, most commonly:
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| Abdominal: |
kidney, liver, gallbladder, lymph nodes, pancreas, spleen, aorta |
| General: |
thyroid, breast, testes/scrotum |
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Preparing for the exam
For an abdominal ultrasound, you should not eat or drink for eight hours prior to you examination. Continue to take your prescribed medications. Diabetic patients should modify their insulin dosage as recommended by their doctors.
For other examinations in the general category, no preparation is necessary.
Other, more specialized studies with ultrasound provide guidance for genetic amniocentesis.
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| There are two reasons to have a full bladder for exam: |
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it displaces bowel up out of pelvis |
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it provides an acoustic "window" through which the sound waves can readily pass |
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The full bladder requirement may be modified if you are in the last trimester of pregnancy.
Vascular
First Hill also conducts vascular exams, which evaluate blood circulation and abnormalities that can occur with vascular disease. These exams most often focus on the carotid artery (neck) and veins in the arms and legs.
Vascular ultrasound produces black-and-white and color images of the blood vessels and assesses the dynamics of blood flow.
The amplified sound of your blood flow is heard as the doppler measurements are being made.
Preparing for the exam: No special preparation is necessary. Your doctor may ask you to refrain from eating the morning of the exam if your vascular ultrasound study involves the upper abdomen.
Billing
We are preferred providers for most health plans. As a courtesy, we will bill your insurance program on your behalf. Ultimately, you are responsible for payment.
For any portion not paid by your insurance, we accept cash, personal checks, Visa and MasterCard.
About First Hill Diagnostic Imaging
Our physicians are board-certified radiologists. They have many years of diagnostic imaging experience with CT scanning, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound, all of which are available at our facility.
First Hill's doctors participate in clinical research projects, and publish and present the results of their research at national and international medical conferences.
Our technologists and support staff are exemplary. We are committed to making your visit comfortable and personalized.
We invite you to call with any questions, comments or concerns.
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