What is Ultrasound?

What is it used for?

Millions of expectant parents have seen the first "picture" of their unborn child with pelvic ultrasound examinations of the uterus and fetus. Ultrasound imaging is used extensively for evaluating the eyes, pelvic and abdominal organs, heart and blood vessels, and can help a physician determine the source of pain, swelling or infection in many parts of the body. Because ultrasound provides real time images it can also be used to guide procedures such as needle biopsies, in which needles are used to sample cells from organs for laboratory testing. Ultrasound is now being used to image the breasts and to guide biopsy of breast cancer. Ultrasound is also used to evaluate superficial structures such as the thyroid gland and scrotum.

How is the procedure performed?

The patient is usually positioned on an examination table. A clear gel is applied to the patient's body in the area to be examined to help the transducer make secure contact with the skin. The sound waves produced by the transducer cannot penetrate air so the gel helps eliminate air pockets between the transducer and the skin. The technologist or radiologist presses the transducer firmly against the skin and sweeps it back and forth to image the area of interest. When the examination is complete the patient may be asked to dress and wait while the ultrasound images are reviewed either on film or on a TV monitor. Often though, the technologist or radiologist is able to review the ultrasound images in real time as they are acquired and the patient can be released immediately.

Is there any preparation required?

You should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for your ultrasound exam. Other preparation depends on the type of examination you will have. For some scans your doctor may instruct you not to eat or drink for as many as 12 hours before your appointment. For others you may be asked to drink up to six glasses of water two hours prior to your exam and avoid urinating so that your bladder is full when the scan begins.

Are there any risks associated with ultrasound?

There are no known harmful effects to humans through the use of standard diagnostic ultrasound.

How do i get my results?

A radiologist (a doctor specilized in medical imaging) experienced in ultrasound and other radiology examinations will analyze the images and send a signed report with his or her interpretation to your doctor. The patient receives their ultrasound results from the referring doctor who ordered the test results. In some cases the radiologist may discuss preliminary results with you at the conclusion of your examination.