Ultrasound
Ultrasound – what is it?
Ultrasound is an examination technique, which uses high frequency sound waves to make still and live video pictures of the heart, digestive, reproductive, urinary tracts, or any other soft tissue structures within the body.
There have been no harmful effects reported from the use of ultrasound in more than two decades of use.
During the exam
When you report for your exam, you may be asked to wear a gown. This is done primarily to protect your clothes from the ultrasound gel, which will be applied to the skin overlying the area to be examined. In most cases, there will be no need to remove jewelry, watches, or dental wear.
You will be asked to lie on the examining table next to the ultrasound machine. Though the machine itself may appear complex to you, it will be operated by a skilled and experienced technologist who has been specially educated and trained in the use of ultrasound examination equipment.
The procedure is painless with no short or long-term side effects, and it is quick – usually completed in less than 30 minutes.
Why does my doctor want me to have this test?
Listed below are several of the more common reasons for an ultrasound examination, and some of the conditions which can be identified by ultrasound. Your doctor may wish to investigate other conditions as well. If you have questions about why your test was ordered, please consult your physician.
Abdomen
Abdominal pain evaluation
- Appendicitis
- Evaluation of abdominal aorta
- Gallbladder disease
- Kidney disease
- Liver or spleen disorders
- Pancreas or bile duct abnormalities
Aorta
- Aneurysms (balloon-like enlargement)
- Tears
Bladder
- Abnormal emptying
- Stones
- Tumors
Breast
Kidney
- Cysts
- Inflammation
- Obstruction
- Stones
- Tumors
Obstetrical
- Abnormalities of uterus, placenta, or ovaries
- Bleeding during pregnancy
- Fetal abnormalities
- Fetal growth
- Fetal number, age, weight, and position in the uterus
Pelvis – non-obstetrical
- Fibroids
- Cysts
- Irregular bleeding/cycles
- Tension
Testicle
- Fluid in the scrotum
- Infection
- Torsion or twisting of the testicle
- Tumors
Thyroid
- Cysts
- Inflammation
- Tumors
Unless you are instructed otherwise, there will be no special preparation required for your ultrasound. However, if your abdomen or pelvic region are to be examined, you may be asked not to eat prior to the exam and to report with a full bladder. Recent food ingestion may interfere with certain exams. A full bladder maximizes the reflection of sound waves and improves the ultrasound image of the pelvic structures.
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