What is an Ultrasound Examination?
Ultrasound uses sound waves to produce medical images of organs and tissues inside the body. It is a safe and painless procedure. Ultrasound creates precise images of soft tissues such as the heart, blood vessels, uterus, and bladder, and can show internal motion such as heartbeat and blood flow.
Ultrasound can detect diseased or damaged tissue, locate abnormal growths, and identify a wide variety of changing conditions. This allows your doctor to make a quick and accurate diagnosis.
What Can You Expect During the Ultrasound?
You will be assisted onto an examination table. A transmission gel will be applied to the area of your body being examined. A handheld device called a transducer will then be moved slowly over the body part being imaged.
The transducer sends signals to a computer that creates the ultrasound image. You may feel slight pressure and the movement of the transducer during the exam.
For Your Personal Safety and Comfort
- Wear comfortable clothing.
- Avoid wearing jewelry.
- Avoid soft drinks before the exam.
Instructions for You
Some ultrasound procedures require preparation before the exam. It is important to follow the instructions carefully to achieve the best diagnostic images.
The following instructions are organized by procedure. Please locate your procedure and follow the preparation instructions listed below.
Abdominal Ultrasound
- Please register 15 minutes before your appointment.
- The exam takes approximately 30 minutes.
- Fasting 12 to 14 hours before the exam is preferred.
Breast Ultrasound
- No special preparation is required.
- The exam takes about 30 minutes.
Carotid Doppler Duplex Ultrasound
- Do not wear turtlenecks or clothing with high collars.
- The exam takes about one hour.
Extremity Ultrasound
No special preparation is required for this exam.
Gallbladder Ultrasound
- Please register 15 minutes before your appointment.
- The exam takes about 30 minutes.
- Fasting 12 to 14 hours before the exam is preferred.
Liver Ultrasound
- Please register 15 minutes before your appointment.
- The exam takes about 30 minutes.
Doppler Ultrasound of the Abdomen
- No food or drink for 12 to 14 hours before the exam.
- The exam takes about 30 minutes.
Obstetrical Ultrasound
- Drink 32 ounces of water at least one hour before your appointment.
- Please register 15 minutes before the exam.
Pelvic Ultrasound
- Drink 32 ounces of water at least one hour before your appointment.
- Do not empty your bladder before the exam.
- Please register 15 minutes before the exam.
Limited Abdominal Ultrasound for Pyloric Stenosis
No food or drink for two hours before the exam.
Renal Ultrasound
- No food or drink for 12 hours before the exam.
- The exam takes about 30 minutes.
Renal Duplex
- No food or drink for 12 hours before the exam.
- The exam takes about two hours.
Thyroid Ultrasound
No special preparation is required.
Venous Doppler/Duplex Ultrasound
No special preparation is required.
If you have any questions, please contact one of our Outpatient Diagnostic Centers.