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Your Ultrasound
Ultrasound imaging, also called ultrasound scanning or sonography, involves exposing part of the body to high-frequency sound waves to produce pictures of the inside of the body. Ultrasound exams do not use X-rays. Because ultrasound images are captured in real-time, they can show the structure and movement of the body's internal organs, as well as blood flowing through blood vessels. It helps physicians diagnose and treat a variety of medical conditions, including pain, swelling, and infection.
Ultrasound scanners consist of a console, a video display screen, and a transducer that is used to scan the body. The transducer is a small hand-held device that resembles a microphone, attached to the scanner by a cord. The transducer sends out a high frequency sound wave and then listens for a returning echo of that sound wave. The ultrasound image is immediately visible on the display screen, which is similar to a small TV screen.
For most ultrasound exams, you are positioned lying face-up on an examination table that can be tilted or moved. A clear gel is applied by the sonographer to your skin. The sonographer or radiologist then presses the transducer firmly against the skin and sweeps it back and forth over the area of interest.
Most ultrasound examinations are painless, fast, and easy. If scanning is performed over an area of tenderness, you may feel pressure or minor pain from the procedure. Ultrasound exams in which the transducer is attached to a probe and inserted into an opening of the body may produce minimal discomfort.
Once the imaging is complete, the gel is wiped off your skin. Most ultrasound examinations are completed within 30 to 60 minutes. You might be asked to wait while the ultrasound images are reviewed.
For the exam, you should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. You will need to remove all clothing and jewelry in the area to be examined, and you might be asked to wear a gown during the procedure.
Other preparation depends on the type of examination scheduled. For some scans you might be instructed not to eat or drink for as many as 12 hours before your appointment, while for others you might be asked to drink a certain amount of fluid just prior to the exam.
After the ultrasound, a radiologist will analyze your images and send a signed report with his or her interpretation to your physician, who will give you the results. In some cases, the radiologist may discuss preliminary results with you at the conclusion of your examination. All radiologists at Health Images are Board Certified by the American Board of Radiology and Fellowship trained.
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