WHAT IS AN 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 ionizing radiation (x-ray). 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 flow through vessels.
Ultrasound imaging is usually painless and helps physicians diagnose and treat many medical conditions.
During the test, you lie on an examination table and a small amount of warm gel is applied to your skin. The technologist will press a transducer against your skin over the area of your body being examined, moving from one area to another as necessary. The transducer sends the information to a computer that receives the information and produces an image.
PREPARING FOR AN ULTRASOUND
You should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for your ultrasound exam. You will need to remove all clothing and jewelry in the area to be examined. You may be asked to wear a gown during the procedure.
Other preparation depends on the type of examination you will have. For some scans your doctor may instruct you not to eat or drink for as many as 12 hours before your appointment. For others you may be asked to drink up to six glasses of water two hours prior to your exam and avoid urinating so that your bladder is full when the scan begins.
CONVENIENTLY LOCATED
Our imaging department seeks to provide your physician with the diagnostic tools needed to pinpoint an injury or illness, and prescribe the appropriate treatment. Our experienced staff works together to provide quality medical imaging services in a comfortable and convenient setting.