• Abdominal Ultrasound - An abdominal ultrasound exam looks at one or more of the organs in your abdomen (e.g. liver, pancreas, gall bladder, etc.) This is done for many reasons (pain, abnormal lab tests, enlargement of blood vessels, etc.). Preparation may include not having anything to eat or drink for 8 hours before this exam.
  
• Obstetrical Ultrasound - This exam provides an evaluation of the fetal/embryo development and well being. The exam usually requires a patient to initially have a full bladder. Additionally, in the early states of pregnancy, a transvaginal exam may also be performed with the bladder empty.
  
• Pelvic Ultrasound - A pelvic ultrasound exam evaluates the uterus and/or ovaries and may even be done after surgical removal of these structures to evaluate surrounding tissues. Usually the preparation for this exam is for the patient to arrive with a full bladder
  
• Transvaginal Ultrasound - A transvaginal ultrasound sonogram is often done as part of this exam to get a much closer look at a specific area. Usually the preparation for this exam is for the patient to arrive with the bladder empty.
  
• Vascular Ultrasound – Vascular ultrasound examinations use both standard real- time imaging and Doppler flow assessment to investigate blood flow in many parts of the body. Common reasons for this exam include ruling out a clot in a limb, checking blood flow to the head through the carotid arteries in the neck, or assessing the size of the abdominal aorta.
  
• Other Ultrasound exams - Other body parts frequently examined by ultrasound include the thyroid, breast, and scrotum.

How is an ultrasound exam performed?

When you arrive for your examination, you may be asked to change into an examination gown. This will allow the area of interest to be scanned without interference from your clothing. A gel will be applied to your skin to allow the transducer to slide easily and assure better contact. The gel will be wiped off when the examination is completed. The sonographer may ask questions about your medical history in order to obtain an adequate indication for the examination. Ultrasound is painless and there are no known risks related to the use of diagnostic ultrasound.

How do I prepare for my Ultrasound examination?

Preparations for ultrasound examinations are tailored to the patient, the examination objectives, and the type of transducer that will be used. Your doctor’s office will inform you of the specific preparations for your examination – adherence to preparation guidelines is critical for a high quality, diagnostic examination. For more detailed instructions, please read the list below.

• Breast Ultrasound - No Preparation needed
• Abdomen (Aorta,Gallbladder, etc.) - Nothing to eat or drink after midnight. (Oral medications permitted) or 6-8 hours prior to exam if not done early in the A.M.
  No chewing gum or smoking prior to exam.
• Kidney – No Preparation needed
• Early-Obstetrical, Pelvic - Drink at least 32 ozs. of water. Complete drinking 30-45 minutes before exam. Do not empty bladder prior to exam. Please note date of last menstrual period.
• DVT, Carotid, Thyroid, Testicular - No Preparation needed

How will I receive my results?

The images from your examination will be interpreted by one of our Board Certified radiologists with expertise in ultrasound. The results will be communicated to your doctor who will discuss them with you.
What are the benefits vs. risks?

Benefits

• Ultrasound scanning is noninvasive (no needles or injections) and is usually painless.
  
• Ultrasound is widely available, easy-to-use and less expensive than other imaging methods.
• Ultrasound imaging uses no ionizing radiation.
  
• Ultrasound scanning gives a clear picture of soft tissues that do not show up well on x-ray images.
  
• Ultrasound causes no health problems and may be repeated as often as is necessary if medically indicated.
  
• Ultrasound is the preferred imaging modality for the diagnosis and monitoring of pregnant women and their unborn infants.
  
• Ultrasound provides real-time imaging, making it a good tool for guiding minimally invasive procedures such as needle biopsies and needle aspiration of fluid in joints or elsewhere.

Risks

• For standard diagnostic ultrasound there are no known harmful effects on humans.