Ultrasound

What is AN Ultrasound?

Ultrasound uses sound waves and a computer to create images of internal organs and blood vessels and to monitor many medical conditions, including the progress of pregnancy. A tool called a transducer that emits sound waves is placed over the area of the body being examined. The sound waves bounce off these structures and their echoes are received by the transducer, which then sends the information to a computer. The computer analyzes the information and creates a moving image.

WHEN AND WHY?

  • Doppler ultrasound (to visualize blood flow through a blood vessel).
  • Bone sonography (to diagnose osteoporosis).
  • Echocardiogram (to view the heart).
  • Fetal ultrasound (to view the fetus in pregnancy).
  • Ultrasound-guided biopsies.
  • Doppler fetal heart rate monitors (to listen to the fetal heart beat).
CONTACT US

WHAT TO EXPECT FOR ULTRASOUNDS

Depending on the location being examined, the following protocols are necessary in order to complete an accurate exam.

  • Abdomen Exam – Please fast for 4 hours before your exam.
    (You may drink water if needed to take your medication).
  • Pelvic Exam – Full Bladder, drink 24-32 oz. of water 1 hour before the exam.
  • Pelvic/Transvaginal – Full Bladder. Drink 24-32 oz. of water 1 hour before exam.
  • Transvaginal – Empty Bladder.
  • Renal/Bladder – Drink 16 oz. of water 1 hour before exam.
  • >14 Weeks OB – No Prep. Patient is allowed to have a guest in the exam room.
  • <14 Weeks OB – Full Bladder. Drink 24-32 oz. of water 1 hour prior to exam and hold. No one is permitted in the exam room. The procedure takes about 20 minutes to complete.