Ultrasound
Uses sound waves to take pictures of structures beneath the skin. Ultrasound is very safe and does not use ionizing radiation.
How we use the Ultrasound
We offer ultrasound to evaluate many body regions including:
- neck/thyroid
- breast
- abdomen/pelvis
- soft tissue lumps
- joints including shoulder, knee, etc
- blood vessels including the arteries in the neck and the veins in the leg
Pregnancy:
Ultrasound is used at several stages in pregnancy.
- date an early pregnancy
- perform a scan at 11 weeks for measurement of the thickness of the neck skin thickness (nuchal translucency) which is used as part of the prenatal screening protocols (see links for more information)
- anatomy scan at 18-20 weeks
- later in pregnancy if required by your doctor
You will require an appointment for an ultrasound exam. Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
How to prepare for the Ultrasound:
Breast, neck, vascular, muskuloskeletal exams:
- no prior preparation required
Renal, Pregnancy and Pelvic exams:
- a full bladder is very important for this examination. If the bladder is not full, your waiting time may be increased.
- Please finish drinking 4 large glasses (32 oz) of clear fluid (not milk or tomato juice) 1 hour prior to your test
- Do not empty your bladder after drinking
Abdominal exam (gallbladder,liver, pancreas, spleen, etc):
- The exam is performed on an empty stomach.
- We require nothing to eat or drink after midnight before the test.
- Note if you take medication in the morning, this may be taken with a small amount of water.
Abdomen/pelvic combination exam:
- Exam is performed on an empty stomach and full bladder
- We require nothing to eat or drink after midnight before the test
- Please finish drinking 4 large glasses (32 oz) of clear fluid (not milk or tomato juice) 1 hour prior to your test
- Do not empty your bladder after drinking