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Ultrasound Exam
Frequently Asked Questions - Ultrasound
What
Is Ultrasound?
 Ultrasound is an imaging procedure that uses very high-frequency sound waves
to produce an image of many of the internal structures of the body. It is
painless and produces very precise images of certain parts of the body.
Why Is Ultrasound Performed?
Ultrasound uses high performance digital sound waves, not X-rays. For certain
areas of the body these sound waves can image as well or better than other
imaging devices. These sound waves are harmless and may be used with complete
safety, even on pregnant women.
Abdominal ultrasound looks at internal organs such as gall bladder, kidney, or
liver to assess pain or other symptoms.
Pelvic ultrasound in females looks primarily at the uterus and ovaries, but
the bladder may also be visualized. In males, the pelvic ultrasound usually
focuses on the bladder and the prostate gland.
Vascular ultrasound looks at the blood vessels in the neck arms, or legs to
detect narrow or blocked arteries, or blood clots in the veins.
What Can I Expect During An Abdominal
Ultrasound Examination?
The patient is positioned by the sonographer (technologist who performs the
exam) on an examination table. A clear warm gel is applied to the skin over
the area to be examined. This helps to transmit the sound waves by excluding
air and will not harm your skin or your clothes. A soft covered device called
a transducer is gently moved over the skin surface by the sonographer and
images are produced on a monitor.
What Can I Expect During A Pelvic Or
Transvaginal Ultrasound Examination?
The patient lies on a table with the abdominal area exposed and with a full
bladder. The sonographer (technologist who performs the exam) will put a clear
warm gel on the skin surface. The gel helps to transmit the sound waves by
excluding air and will not harm your skin or your clothes. An instrument call
a transducer is gently moved over the skin surface by the sonographer.
Pelvic ultrasound may include a transvaginal ultrasound to better see the
ovaries and uterus. In this exam the patient is asked to empty the bladder.
The patient will then be asked to place a covered transvaginal transducer
(approximately the size and shape of a tampon) into the vagina, or if the
patient would prefer, this will be placed by the female sonographer. The
sonographer will then gently manipulate the transducer to provide an internal
ultrasound examination. This is not painful and is the best way to evaluate
the ovaries and uterus.
What Can I Expect During A Vascular
(Doppler) Examination?
The patient will lie or sit on a table and the sonographer will put a clear
warm gel on the skin surface of the area to be studied. The gel helps to
transmit the sound waves by excluding air and will not harm your skin or your
clothes. The sonographer will then gently press a transducer along the area.
If the test is done on your neck, your head will be turned to the side, as if
you were looking over your shoulder.
During the doppler ultrasound you may hear a "swooshing" noise. This is the
sound of your blood flowing. You may also see tracings of your blood flow on
the screen. These are normal occurrences.
How Long Will My Ultrasound
Examination Take?
The abdominal ultrasound will take about 20 minutes. The pelvic ultrasound and
the vascular (doppler) ultrasound will take about 30 minutes.
Is The Ultrasound Examination Safe?
Nevada Imaging Centers provide state of the art equipment with high
performance digital ultrasound with duplex and color doppler. The Radiologists
and technologists (sonographers) have extensive experience and training in
ultrasound. Since ultrasound uses sound waves rather than radiation, it is
harmless.
Do I Need A Referral (Prescription)
To Have My Ultrasound Examination?
Yes, your doctor must provide a referral (prescription) in order for you to
receive a examination. In addition, some insurance carriers or HMO’s require a
precertification. Please discuss this with your doctor and your insurance
company or HMO prior to your test.
When Will I Know The Results Of My
Examination?
A
Radiologist will review your study before you leave the Center to determine if
the information is complete. Preliminary results will be sent promptly to your
physician and a detailed written report of the procedure, findings, and
results will follow within several days. Your physician will then call you to
discuss the results. Urgent results will be telephoned immediately to your
doctor.
What Should I Do to Prepare for an
Ultrasound Exam?
-
Abdominal
Ultrasound
Please do not eat solid food or drink anything after midnight prior to
your exam. Routine medications may be taken with water only. If you are
diabetic, consult with your doctor.
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Pelvic Or
Transvaginal
Unless otherwise directed, there are no special preparations necessary.
-
Vascular
(Doppler)
No special preparation is necessary.
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