Ultrasound:

 

Ultrasound is a diagnostic procedure that uses painless, silent, high frequency sound waves transmitted and reflected through various body parts to produce an image.

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There are many different types of ultrasound exams. The type of exam will vary depending on information that your doctor needs. Most ultrasound exams not requiring preparation are performed on the day of your office visit for your convenience.

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The Following Ultrasound Exams Require Special Preparation:

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• Abdominal Ultrasound – This study can help diagnose diseases of the liver, kidneys, pancreas or spleen. Before the exam, you must not eat or drink for six hours before the appointment time. This exam will take approximately 30 minutes.

• Bladder Ultrasound – This study focuses on the bladder and is used to assess bladder volume and other bladder conditions. Before the exam, you must drink 36 ounces of water and finish your water 45 minutes prior to your exam. This exam will take approximately 15 minutes.

• Breast Ultrasound – This study may be used to see if a breast lump is filled with fluid or if it is a solid lump. This exam will take approximately 30 minutes.

• Doppler Ultrasound – Doppler ultrasound is a form of ultrasound that uses the speed of blood flow through a blood vessel to detect problems with flow. This test looks for problems you may have heard discussed before. These include “blockage in the arteries”, which is a buildup of cholesterol that impedes blood flow to an organ or “blood clot”, which is a spot where blood has coagulated in a vein and slows blood return. Doppler ultrasound is a screening test. If these tests reveal abnormal flow, you may be asked to have more complex testing.

• Echocardiogram – An echocardiogram is a test in which ultrasound is used to examine the heart. Echocardiography is an invaluable tool in providing your doctor with important information about the size of the chambers of the heart and pumping function of the heart, as well as assessing the valves in the heart. This exam will take approximately 1 hour.

• Pelvic Ultrasound – This study focuses on the uterus and ovaries. A full bladder provides an ultrasound “window” for seeing deep into the pelvis. Before the exam, you must drink 36 ounces of water and finish your water 45 minutes prior to your exam. This exam will take approximately 30 minutes.

• Renal Ultrasound – This study includes pictures of both kidneys and the bladder. Before the exam, you must not eat or drink for six hours before the appointment time. This exam will take approximately 1 hour.

• Scrotal Ultrasound – This study is used to evaluate disorders of the testicles and surrounding tissues. It may be used to evaluate pain in the scrotum, fluid collection, abnormal blood vessels, or a mass in the scrotum. This exam will take approximately 30 minutes.

• Thyroid Ultrasound – This study produces a picture of the thyroid gland and is used to help diagnose a lump in the thyroid or a thyroid that is not functioning properly. This exam will take approximately 30 minutes.

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Link to RadiologyInfo.org for more information about individual tests.

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