Having a Ultrasound...
An ultrasound is a safe, painless diagnostic procedure that uses very high-frequency sound wave to produce an extremely clear image of the internal structure of you body. Ultrasound exams often quicker and less expensive than CT scans, and because they do not involve the use of x-rays, they are completely safe to use on pregnant women.During your ultrasound examination, you will lie on a table while the sonographer applies gel to the specific area being examined. A probe is then gently rolled over your lubricated skin. The real-time image created is viewed on a nearby monitor.
Exam Preparation
Different exams require very different preparations. Below you will find a list with instructions for preparing for your exam, which are to be followed as closely as possible, as preparation can affect the results of your exam. Failure to comply with the instructions may result in a delay, or be a possible basis for rescheduling your exam. If you do not find your exam listed below, or have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact LIFESCAN Imaging prior to your exam.
Fetal Ultrasound: Full bladder. Drink 32-48 ounces of water 1-1 ½ hours prior to your examination. Do not empty your bladder.
Abdominal Ultrasound (Gallbladder/Liver/Spleen/Pancreas/Aorta): Nothing to eat or drink after midnight the night prior to you exam. If you need to take medication, go ahead and take it with as little as water as possible, but remember not to eat prior to the exam.
Renal Ultrasound: Patients may drink, but eating is not recommended.
Pelvic Ultrasound: Full bladder. Drink 32-48 ounces of water 1 – 1 ½ hours prior to you examination. Do not empty your bladder.
Thyroid Ultrasound: No preparation necessary. You may choose to wear a button down shirt or a low neck shirt so you do not have to change your clothes.
Vascular Ultrasound: No preparation necessary.
Breast Ultrasound: No preparation necessary. In addition, please bring last mammogram films with you to the exam.Testicular Ultrasound: No preparation necessary.
Ultrasound Q & A
Question: What exactly is diagnostic ultrasound? How does it work?
Because it can be used in the most delicate conditions without major side effects, ultrasound has become one of the most popular diagnostic methods among both patients and physicians. Diagnostic ultrasound allows physicians to diagnose without invading the body with dyes, radiation or exploratory surgery.
Ultrasound imaging is based on the same principles involved in the sonar used by bats. During an exam, a sonographer moves a transducer over the part of the body to be imaged. The transducer functions as both a loudspeaker (to create the sounds) and a microphone (to record them). High-frequency sound waves reflect off internal structures (soft tissue, organs and blood flow), producing echoes that are processed into an image displayed on the ultrasound system monitor. A qualified radiologist will interpret the diagnostic information within the images to help build a diagnosis and suggest a next course of action.
When the examination is complete, the patient may be asked to dress and wait while the ultrasound images are reviewed. Often, the sonographer or radiologist reviews the ultrasound images in real time as they are acquired, and the patient can be released immediately.
Question: Are there risks?
There are no known harmful effects for standard diagnostic ultrasound.
Question: How is the procedure performed?
Ultrasound imaging is usually painless and fast. Depending on the type of exam, you may be instructed to lie down or sit upright on an examining table. The sonographer will apply gel on you skin and press the transducer firmly against your body, moving it until the desired images are captured. The sonographer sees these images on the monitor immediately. Often the patient is able to see them, as well. The examination usually takes less than 30 minutes.
In some situations, your physician may recommend a transvaginal or transrectal ultrasound exam to image closer to the area of interest. In these exams, extremely narrow transducers are inserted into the vagina or rectum. These exams should not create any significant discomfort. In fact, the transvaginal exam may be faster, more accurate, and more comfortable overall because you will not be required to have a full bladder.
Question:Does a breast ultrasound show more than a mammogram?
Mammography is still considered the “Gold Standard” for breast imaging. Ultrasound is typically used to further evaluate an abnormality seen on a mammogram, as well as lumps that the patient or physician has felt.
Question: Who interprets the results and how do I get them?
A board certified radiologist will analyze the images and a report with his interpretation will be sent to your physician, who will then discuss the findings with you personally.