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Ultrasound

Diagnostic ultrasound, also called sonography, is an imaging method that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of structures within your body. The images can provide valuable information for diagnosing and treating a variety of diseases and conditions. Ultrasounds are not painful. Sound waves are at a frequency too high to be felt, so sound waves do not cause discomfort. The only discomfort a patient may feel during an ultrasound is light pressure from the transducer.

Ultrasound is ideal in studying blood vessels. Using Doppler techniques, Doppler shows the direction and velocity of moving blood in an artery or vein.

Ultrasound is often associated with pregnancy. It enables us to determine size, as well as helps us evaluate the growth rate, position, movement, measurement of heart beats per minute and evaluation for structural cardiac defects.

Ultrasound scans can also be used to detect for following:

  • Abdominal Disorders, Gallstones
  • Vasculature
  • Vascular
  • Cancer
  • Pelvic Disorders
  • Obstetrics

Exam Descriptions

Abdominal Disorders
Ultrasound is used to detect gallstones, as well as abnormalities in the liver, kidney, pancreas and spleen.

Blood Vessel Stenosis/Disease
Ultrasound evaluates blood vessels at risk for aneurysm (ballooning) or stenosis (abnormal narrowing).

Cancer
Ultrasound can locate lesions in organs or tissues. Ultrasound is useful as a guide with needle biopsies to help detect breast or other organ cancers.

Pelvic Disorders
A transvaginal ultrasound uses a specially designed transducer that is inserted vaginally to evaluate uterus, ovaries and bladder.

Transvaginal ultrasound can help determine the cause of pain or bleeding in women’s reproductive organs. This test also provides higher resolution images when compared to a traditional ultrasound. They are often used early in pregnancy or for pelvic procedures.

Pregnancy
Ultrasound is used to check the health and development of your baby. It can determine if you are going to have multiple babies or rule out potential congenital anomalies.

Preparation and what to expect during the procedure:

Renal

  • No food 8 hours prior to the exam. Drink at least 32 oz. of water 1 hour prior to exam
  • Do not empty your bladder exam.

Upper Abdominal (Liver, Gallbladder, Spleen, Pancreas, Aorta, Aorta-Iliac Arterial, Kidneys)

  • No food or drink 8 hours prior to the exam.
  • All medications may be taken with water prior to your exam.
  • Diabetic patients may drink small amounts of orange juice.

Pelvic Ultrasound Complete/Obstetrical

  • A full bladder is needed for this exam, or you may be required to reschedule.
  • Begin drinking 32 ounces of water 1 hour prior to exam time and finish 30 minutes prior to exam.
  • Do not empty bladder prior to your exam.

Breast Ultrasound

  • Any mammograms completed prior to your appointment are needed for this exam.
  • No preparation is required.

Carotid Duplex/Echocardiogram/Thyroid/Scrotal/Peripheral Vascular (Venous)/Endovaginally Pelvic Only

  • No preparation is required.