What is an Ultrasound Examination?

Ultrasound is the use of sound waves to obtain a medical image or picture of various organs and tissues in the body. It is a painless and safe procedure. Ultrasound produces very precise images of your soft tissue (heart, blood vessels, uterus, bladder, etc.) and reveals internal motion such as heart beat and blood flow. It can detect diseased or damaged tissues, locate abnormal growths and identify a wide variety of changing conditions, which enables your doctor to make a quick and accurate diagnosis.

What Can You Expect During the Ultrasound?

You will be assisted on an examination table. At this time, a transmission gel will be applied to the area of your body that will be examined. A transducer will be moved slowly over the body part being imaged. The transducer sends a signal to a computer that produces the ultrasound image. You will feel slight pressure and the movement of the transducer over the body.

For Your Personal Safety and Comfort

  • Wear comfortable clothing.
  • Avoid wearing jewelry.
  • Avoid soft drinks before the exam.

Instructions for you

Often, your imaging procedure will require advance preparation. It is important that you following the instructions carefully in order to achieve the best diagnostic image. The following list of advance instructions are listed according to procedure. Please locate your procedure and follow the instructions listed below:

  • Abdominal ultrasound

    • You should register 15 minutes prior to your appointment
    • Exam should take approximately 30 minutes.
    • Fasting 12 to 14 hours prior to exam is preferred.
  • Breast ultrasound

    • There are no special instructions for you.
    • Exam takes about 30 minutes.
  • Carotid doppler duplex ultrasound

    • Do not wear clothing such as a turtleneck or shirts with high collars.
    • Exam takes one hour.
  • Extremity ultrasound

    There are no special instructions for an extremity ultrasound.

  • Gallbladder ultrasound

    • You must register 15 minutes prior to your appointment.
    • Exam should take about 30 minutes.
    • Fasting 12 to 14 hours prior to exam is preferred.
  • Liver ultrasound

    • You must register 15 minutes prior to your appointment.
    • Exam takes about 30 minutes.
  • Doppler ultrasound of abdomen

    • You may not have any food or drink 12 to 14 hours prior to the exam.
    • Exam takes about 30 minutes.
  • Obstetrical ultrasound

    • Drink 32 ounces of water at least 1 hour prior to appointment.
    • Register 15 minutes before exam.
  • Pelvic ultrasound

    • Drink 32 ounces of water at least 1 hour prior to appointment.
    • Do not empty your bladder prior to the exam.
    • Register 15 minutes before exam.
  • Limited ABD ultrasound for pyloric stenosis

    You may not have any food or drink 2 hours prior to the exam.

  • Renal ultrasound

    • You may not have any food or drink 12 hours prior to the exam.
    • Exam should take about 30 minutes.
  • Renal duplex

    • You may not have any food or drink 12 hours prior to the exam.
    • Exam should take about 2 hours.
  • Thyroid ultrasound

    There are no special instructions for this exam.

  • Venous doppler/duplex ultrasound

    There are no special instructions for this exam.

If you have any questions, please call one of our Outpatient Diagnostic Centers.