Ultrasound
What is an ultrasound?
Ultrasound imaging, also called ultrasound scanning or sonography, involves exposing part of the body to high-frequency sound waves to produce pictures of the inside of the body. Ultrasound exams do not use ionizing radiation (as used in x-rays). Because ultrasound images are captured in real-time, they can show the structure and movement of the body's internal organs, as well as blood flowing through blood vessels.
Ultrasound imaging is a non-invasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions.
Conventional ultrasound displays the images in thin, flat sections of the body. Advancements in ultrasound technology include three-dimensional (3-D) ultrasound that formats the sound wave data into 3-D images. Four-dimensional (4-D) ultrasound is 3-D ultrasound in motion.
A Doppler ultrasound study may be part of an ultrasound examination.
Doppler ultrasound is a special ultrasound technique that evaluates blood as it flows through a blood vessel, including the body's major arteries and veins in the abdomen, arms, legs and neck. Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD), Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD), and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) are common vascular pathologies that can be screened using ultrasound.
Why would I be asked to have an ultrasound?
Talk with your primary doctor about this. Ultrasounds can be used to diagnose and monitor health concerns in various parts of the body, including the head, body, breast, heart and prostate.
How do I prepare for an ultrasound?
As there are many different preparations for different exams, please contact Advanced Imaging Centers for your specific instructions regarding your exam.
What should I expect?
You will likely be asked to lie down on a bed or table for the scan. You may be asked to remove clothing over the area to be scanned, and warm ultrasound gel is applied to the skin. This is to achieve good contact as the transducer is passed back and forth.
Ultrasonic waves cannot be heard or felt, though pressure from the transducer may be uncomfortable in certain instances. The average time for most scans is about 15 minutes, but your specific exam may take more or less time.
Ultrasound is very safe and painless, so there is little risk.
What about after my ultrasound?
Normal activities can be resumed immediately after the test.
