Ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves to produce images. These sound waves are at a higher frequency than a person can hear. An Ultrasound is not radiation, as in X-Ray or CT scanning. These sound waves are harmless and pain free.
The sound waves are transmitted to the body from a transducer which is rubbed against the skin. A water-based gel is used to help the transducer move along the skin and eliminate air between the transducer and the skin. Air would allow noise to distort and degrade the images being received back from the transducer.
The structures evaluated by Ultrasound are soft tissue, internal organs, and fluid-filled structures. Ultrasound is not used to evaluate bowel, the intestinal tract, or bone. These images appear in a grayscale from black to white.
Doppler Ultrasound is a specialized technique used to image vascular structures such as arteries and veins. The Doppler Ultrasound can determine the speed of blood flowing in front of the transducer. These images appear in color.
When do doctors recommend Ultrasound?
Your doctor may order an Ultrasound for many reasons. Some reasons are to evaluate:
• a soft tissue before exposure to radiation treatment.
• a lump or mass on the body.
• abdominal organs because of pain or abnormal bloodwork.
• pain not associated with the bones or joints.
• an abnormality seen on another imaging modality.
• abnormal menstrual bleeding or pelvic pain associated with menstruation.
• an unborn baby during pregnancy.
• the Carotid arteries for stenosis.
• the blood vessels of the lower extremities.
How do I prepare for my ultrasound?
Abdomen – Pancreas, Aorta, IVC, Liver, Kidneys, Gall Bladder, and CBD
Morning Appointment – NPO (nothing to eat or drink) after Midnight.
Afternoon Appointment – Very light Breakfast is allowed 6 to 8 hours prior to the appointment time.
• No coffee, milk, or dairy products should be consumed 6 to 8 hours prior to the appointment time.
• Patients may take oral medication with water, unless otherwise indicated by their doctor.
• Diabetic patients may request the first appointment of the day (9:10AM).
Pregnancy
First Trimester
• Drink 32 ounces of water and finish 30 minutes prior to the appointment time.
• Do not urinate, please hold your bladder.
Second Trimester
• Drink 16 ounces of water and finish 30 minutes prior to the appointment time.
• Do not urinate, please hold your bladder.
Third Trimester
• Please hold your bladder for 30 minutes prior to the appointment time.
• There is no need to drink additional water prior to the exam.
Renal / Kidney – Script indicates (ONLY KIDNEYS AND/OR BLADDER)
• Patients may eat normally.
• Drink 16 ounces of water and finish 30 minutes prior to the appointment time.
• Do not urinate, please hold your bladder.
Pelvic / Bladder – Script indicates (PVR or POST VOID RESIDUAL)
• Drink 32 ounces of water and finish 60 minutes prior to the appointment time.
• Do not urinate, please hold your bladder.
• The bladder must be full to visualize all structures for evaluation.
• Female patients menstruating on the day of the exam may still be examined, except if their doctor requires the exam performed on a particular day of the cycle.
Carotid / Thyroid / Lower Extremity Doppler / Scrotal / Transvaginal
• No prep needed.
Please note…
It is fully understood some preps cause a degree of discomfort. Please remember your doctor ordered the Ultrasound exam for a specific reason. Each prep will assist in the successful visualization of the structures needed for evaluation.
You will be seen promptly after office registration is completed. Please arrive 10 to 15 minutes prior to your appointment time to ensure adequate time for this process.
