Ultrasound is the use of sound waves to make pictures of organs and tissues in the body. It is painless and safe. Sound waves do not damage tissue, even when used to examine a baby before it is born. Ultrasound produces precise images of your organs (heart, kidneys, liver, gallbladder, etc.) and reveals motion such as blood flowing. Ultrasound can help your doctor make a quick and accurate diagnosis by: detecting damaged tissue, locating abnormal growths, and identifying a wide variety of conditions. >Back to Top
You will be greeted by our receptionist initially. At the time of your appointment, a sonographer will assist you into the changing area, then into the examination room. A warm gel is applied to the area of your body to be studied. The sonographer will scan you with a transducer which is painless. The images of your body will appear on the monitor similar to a TV screen. The sonographer will give you any special instructions, breath holding, turning from one side to another for example. These images are recorded for detailed study by the radiologist who is specially trained in ultrasound. The radiologist will look at these images and review your case with the sonographer.
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The examination takes from 30 to 60 minutes from start to finish depending upon the part of your body being studied.
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Depending upon the area of your body we are scanning, there may be special instructions. If you are having a scan of your abdomen, we ask that you not eat for eight hours before the scan so we can see your gallbladder better. If you are having a pelvic ultrasound or obstetrical ultrasound, we will ask that you drink enough to fill your bladder just before the study begins. This allows us to see your uterus and ovaries more clearly.
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The uterus can be examined from across the lower abdomen with a full urinary bladder or across the vagina. The transvaginal scanning is done with a special skinny probe that you will place inside the vagina and the sonographer will steer to obtain detailed images of the uterus and ovaries.
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A formal written report is sent to your doctor within 2 to 3 days. Your doctor will discuss the results with you.
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