Ultrasound
Click on the below Ultrasounds procedures for specific information:
Abdomen Ultrasound
Ultrasound of the abdomen is used to evaluate structures in the upper abdomen (above the umbilicus). Images are taken of the liver, kidneys, spleen, pancreas, gall bladder, common bile duct, aorta and inferior vena cava.
It is very common to use ultrasound to look for stones in the gall bladder or to evaluate size and structure of organs such as the liver and spleen.
How should I prepare for the procedure?
Ultrasound cannot penetrate bowel gas and food and drink can affect how the gall bladder looks. Therefore, it is important that you not have anything to eat or drink (including water) for 8 hours prior to the procedure. If you are on medication that you cannot go without, you may take it with a very small amount of water.
Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing that can allow easier access to the abdomen (i.e shirt and pants rather than a one piece dress).
What can I expect during the procedure?
You will be asked to lie on your back on the exam table. The technologist will use gel and press a transducer against the abdomen. The transducer will be swept back and forth across the abdomen to image the areas of interest. You may be asked to take in deep breaths and hold them. This will sometimes help bring the organs out from underneath ribs or bowel gas in order to see them better. You also may be asked to roll onto your side. This helps to get better images and to evaluate the gall bladder. The exam will take approximately 30 minutes.
Carotid Ultrasound
What are the common uses of this procedure?
Imaging of the carotid is most commonly used to detect narrowing, or stenosis, of the carotid artery. If your doctor finds a carotid bruit (an abnormal sound in the neck heard with a stethoscope) an ultrasound may be needed.
How should I prepare for the procedure?
Wear a loose fitting, open necked shirt or blouse for this ultrasound. You may be asked to remove any jewelry or objects around your neck. No special preparation is need for a carotid ultrasound.
What can I expect during the procedure?
You will be asked to lie on your back on the exam table. The technologist will use gel and press a transducer against your neck. The transducer is pressed against the skin on both sides of the neck from the collarbone region to the jaw line. The procedure is painless and noninvasive. You will hear pulse-like sounds as the procedure is being done. The exam will take approximately 45 minutes.
Kidney Ultrasound
What are the common uses of this procedure?
A renal ultrasound is used to evaluate the kidneys, bladder, aorta and inferior vena cava.
It is common to use ultrasound to evaluate the anatomy of the kidneys and bladder looking for cysts or stones as well as to evaluate size and appearance. Your doctor may also order this test to evaluate your aorta for an aneurysm.
How should I prepare for the procedure?
You may eat lightly before this procedure. It helps to evaluate the bladder if there is something in it. Before you arrive, drink approximately 24oz of liquid one hour before your exam and try to avoid using the restroom during that time.
Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing that can allow easier access to the abdomen (i.e., shirt and pants rather than a one piece dress).
What can I expect during the procedure?
You will be asked to lie on your back on the exam table. The technologist will use gel and press a transducer against the abdomen. The transducer will be swept back and forth across the abdomen to image the areas of interest. You may be asked to take in deep breaths and hold them. This will sometimes help bring the organs out from underneath ribs or bowel gas in order to see them better. You may be asked to roll onto your side in order to obtain better images. The exam will last approximately 30 minutes.
Obstetrical Ultrasound
Obstetrical ultrasound is used to evaluate an embryo or fetus. This ultrasound can estimate the age of the pregnancy, diagnose congenital abnormalities, evaluate the fetal and placental location and determine if there are multiple pregnancies. Conventional ultrasound displays the images as thin sections (like looking at single slices of bread in a loaf.) Ultrasound can watch the heart beat and movement of the fetus like an ongoing movie.
How should I prepare for the procedure?
You should wear a loose fitting two-piece outfit for the examination, which allows for easy access to the lower abdomen.You will need to have a full bladder for this examination. You should drink 4-6 glasses of water before your exam. In order for the water to have time to get to your bladder, you should be finished drinking one hour prior to your exam time. Do not empty your bladder before your exam.What can I expect during the procedure? (Less than 14 weeks along)
You will be asked to lie on your back on the exam table with your bladder full. The technologist will use gel and press a transducer against the pelvis. The transducer will be swept back and forth across the pelvis to image the areas of interest.Most early OB ultrasounds require a transvaginal ultrasound. This is performed by inserting a probe into the vagina – similar to having a pelvic exam at your physician’s office.
Before the vaginal ultrasound, you will be asked to empty your bladder completely. You will also need to change into a gown. You will then be asked to lie on your back with your feet up in stirrups. The transvaginal probe is inserted into the vagina and images of the fetus, uterus and ovaries are obtained.
You may experience some discomfort while images are obtained with your bladder full. The transvaginal ultrasound should not be painful. It is usually more comfortable than a gynecological exam.
The entire exam should take approximately 30 minutes.
What can I expect during the procedure? (More that 14 weeks)
You will be asked to lie on your back on the exam table with your bladder full. The technologist will use gel and press a transducer against the lower abdomen. The transducer will be swept back and for the across the pelvis to image the areas of interest. The technologist may have to push and angle the transducer in various positions to get accurate pictures of the fetus.
The exam should take approximately 45 minutes.
You will receive pictures of your baby to take home. We do not have the capability to video tape your exam.
Thyroid Ultrasound
A thyroid ultrasound evaluates both lobes of the thyroid and the isthmus of the thyroid. It also evaluates the neck for any abnormal appearing lymph nodes.Your physician may order this test if there is a lump in your neck or if you have other symptoms of thyroid disease (such as weight loss/gain, abnormal blood work etc…). An ultrasound can show masses within the thyroid or measure the size of the thyroid to determine if it is enlarged.
How should I prepare for the procedure?
Wear a loose fitting, open necked shirt or blouse for this ultrasound. Avoid wearing turtleneck shirts if possible. If the neckline of your shirt is too high you may be asked to change into a gown. You may be asked to remove any jewelry or other objects around your neck. There is no special preparation needed for a thyroid ultrasound.
What can I expect during the procedure?
You will be asked to lie on your back on an examination table. A pillow will be placed under your shoulders so that your neck will be extended allowing the technologist access to your thyroid. The technologist will use gel and apply a transducer to the neck. The transducer will be moved around to obtain different views of the thyroid and neck. The exam will take less than 30 minutes.
Venous Ultrasound
What are the common uses of this procedure?
A venous ultrasound is used to evaluate the veins in the body, particularly in the legs and arms. It is common to use ultrasound to evaluate the veins for a blood clot, especially in the legs. When a blood clot develops in the vein, ultrasound can show the clot and also the slowing or complete blockage of blood flow that is causes.
How should I prepare for the procedure?
You should dress comfortably, but you may have to remove clothing and jewelry depending on the exam. There is no special preparation needed for a venous ultrasound.
What can I expect during the procedure?
You will be asked to lie on your back on the exam table. The technologist will use gel and press the transducer against your skin. The technologist will take images of your veins and also listen to your veins with Doppler ultrasound. Venous ultrasounds are usually painless, however if your leg is swollen and tender, the pressure from the transducer may add to your discomfort. The exam will last approximately 30 minutes.