Services
Ultrasound
Diagnostic ultrasound uses safe high-frequency sound waves to produce pictures of the body's internal organs. Ultrasound pictures will be electronically recorded for the patient’s permanent record. Our radiologists study these images and dictate a report that will be sent to your doctor.
What to expect
You may be asked to change into comfortable clothing which we provide for your examination. A locker will be available for your use as well. We encourage you to leave any unnecessary valuables at home.A warm clear gel that conducts the sound beam will be applied to the skin. The gel will not stain skin or clothing and will be removed after the examination.
There are no special precautions, warnings or contraindications for non-invasive ultrasound examinations.
The advantages of ultrasound include:
- No x-rays
- Non-invasive, except for biopsies and procedures
- No intravenous or oral contrast needed
- No known health risks or side effects
How ultrasound imaging works
Once we are aware of the patient's symptoms and possible diagnosis, the sonographer (the medical person conducting the examination) will ask additional questions about 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, pelvis and breast. Ultrasound is also used to study the anatomy of blood vessels and blood flow.Abdominal and general ultrasound
Abdominal imaging is used on male and female patients of all ages to assess the internal organs, most commonly:
Abdominal: kidney, liver, gallbladder, lymph nodes, pancreas, spleen, aorta
General: thyroid, breast, testes/scrotum
Preparing for the exam
For an abdominal ultrasound, the patient should not eat or drink for eight hours prior to the examination. They should also continue to take 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. For pelvic ultrasounds, a full bladder is necessary. Please complete drinking fluids one hour prior to your exam time.
There are two reasons to have a full bladder for the exam:
- It displaces bowel up out of pelvis
- It provides an acoustic "window" through which the sound waves can readily pass
The full bladder requirement may be modified if the patient is in the last trimester of pregnancy.