UltraSound

What Is It?

UltraSound or sonography, uses sound waves to evaluate tissues and organs inside the body. The technology is similar to the way sonar is used by dolphins or submarines to detect objects. Ultra sound produces great images of organs that are soft or filled with fluid, but doesn't work as well for examining air-filled organs or bones. Ultrasound is a safe and painless test, usually taking 15 to 30 minutes.

Why UltraSound?

Ultrasound is commonly used to evaluate developing fetus. Ultrasound can be used to determine if a lump is a cyst, to see the size and shape of an organ, to detect gallstones and to look for blood clots in the legs. Ultrasound can be used as a guide when a needle is being inserted into the body for tissue sampling, or to remove fluid.

Getting Ready

Abdomen scans require an empty stomach. You cannot eat or drink after midnight the night before your test. Pelvis scans require a full bladder. Drinking 8 ounces of liquid every 15 minutes the hour prior to your appointment will ensure a full bladder. Thyroid scans and Venous Doppler scans (looking for blood clots) do not require any preparation.

What to Expect

When you arrive for your appointment check in at the Outpatient Registration desk. Be sure to bring a list of medications and insurance cards. Bring your paperwork to the Radiology Department. The technologist will escort you to the ultrasound suite where you will change into a gown.

A small amount of gel will be applied to the area to be scanned. The gel helps the sound waves move into your body. The technologist will slide a small instrument thru the gel. The instrument is called a probe or transducer and is used to capture the sound waves as they bounce off organs. Once the procedure is finished, the gel will be wiped off and you will be allowed to dress.

The radiologist, a doctor specialized in reading ultra sounds, will review your images and interpret his findings. A report will be sent to your physician within 48 hours.