Frequently Asked Questions

Ultrasound uses sound waves and a computer to create images of internal organs and blood vessels and to monitor many medical conditions, including the progress of pregnancy. A tool called a transducer that emits sound waves is placed over the area of the body being examined. The sound waves bounce off these structures and their echoes are received by the transducer, which then sends the information to a computer. The computer analyzes the information and creates a moving image.

Its most familiar use involves determining the status (including movements) and gender of a fetus. Most obstetricians perform a routine diagnostic ultrasound to look for any abnormalities with either the fetus or the uterus during early pregnancy. Depending on the time of gestation and positioning, the gender may or may not be identified. This procedure is painless and noninvasive.

Diagnostic ultrasound has many other uses, including the evaluation of tumors and bone structure, soft tissue injuries as in rotator cuff tears or meniscus tears in the knee and in interventional radiology.

Ultrasound has a wide range of applications, from adult bone studies to fetal heart rate monitors. It helps clinicians assess the organs and blood vessels in the abdomen (liver, kidneys, spleen, gallbladder, bile ducts, aorta and pancreas). It also helps in evaluating organs in the pelvic area (uterus, ovaries, bladder, and prostate). Ultrasound is frequently used to check for the gestational age of a fetus, as well as any irregularities of the fetus. The breast, thyroid, scrotum or any other soft tissue mass can be assessed using ultrasound, as can arteries and veins in the neck, abdomen and legs. Here are some examples of ultrasound study types and their purpose:

• Doppler ultrasound (to visualize blood flow through a blood vessel)
• Bone sonography (to diagnose osteoporosis)
• Echocardiogram (to view the heart)
• Fetal ultrasound (to view the fetus in pregnancy)
• Ultrasound-guided biopsies
• Doppler fetal heart rate monitors (to listen to the fetal heart beat)

Ultrasound examinations can help to diagnose a variety of conditions and to assess organ damage following illness. Ultrasound is used to help physicians evaluate symptoms such as:

• pain
• swelling
• infection

Ultrasound is a useful way of examining many of the body’s internal organs, including but not limited to the:

• heart and blood vessels, including the abdominal aorta and its major branches
• liver
• gallbladder
• spleen
• pancreas
• kidneys
• bladder
• uterus, ovaries, and unborn child (fetus) in pregnant patients
• eyes
• thyroid and parathyroid glands
• scrotum (testicles)

Ultrasound is also used to:

• Guide procedures such as needle biopsies, in which needles are used to extract sample cells from an abnormal area for laboratory testing
• Image the breasts and to guide biopsy of breast cancer (see the Ultrasound-Guided Breast Biopsy page)
• Diagnose a variety of heart conditions and to assess damage after a heart attack or diagnose for valvular heart disease

Doppler ultrasound images can help the physician to see and evaluate:

• Blockages to blood flow (such as clots)
• Narrowing of vessels (which may be caused by plaque)
• Tumors and congenital malformation

With knowledge about the speed and volume of blood flow gained from a Doppler ultrasound image, the physician can often determine whether a patient is a good candidate for a procedure like angioplasty.

No. Ultrasound uses sound waves.

For most ultrasound exams, the patient is positioned lying face-up on an examination table that can be tilted or moved. A clear water-based gel is applied to the area of the body being studied to help the transducer make secure contact with the body and eliminate air pockets between the transducer and the skin. The ultrasound technologist then firmly presses the transducer against the skin, sweeping over the area of interest or angling the sound beam from a farther location to better see the area of concern. Most ultrasound examinations are painless, fast and easy.

Not necessarily. Each modality images differently. Sometimes it is necessary to image with different modalities different ways for the best diagnosis. An Ultrasound is what your doctor’s office has ordered at this time.

Ultrasound uses sound waves to produce images of internal organs and body tissue. Breast ultrasound is an imaging procedure that is not routinely used for screening, but it can be useful for evaluating some breast abnormalities identified by mammography. There is no radiation involved.

Breast ultrasound is primarily used to help physicians diagnose potential breast abnormalities previously detected by physical examination or mammography. Ultrasound can determine the difference between solid masses in breast tissue and fluid-filled cysts. It can also help determine whether a solid mass is a potentially cancerous tumor or a non-cancerous growth.

Many cancers are not visible on ultrasound and it is not intended to replace routine screening mammography. However, some physicians may recommend breast ultrasound in addition to screening mammography for certain women, such as those with dense breasts.

Traditional Breast Ultrasound

A woman receiving a breast ultrasound will be asked to remove clothing above her waist and she will be positioned on her back on an examination table. Ultrasound gel will be applied to the area of her breast being examined.

The ultrasound technologist performing the breast ultrasound will move a handheld device, called a transducer, over the examination area. The transducer tracks movements of sound waves through breast tissue and transmits this information to a computer, which renders it visually on a monitor in real time.

Breast ultrasound does not cause pain and takes approximately 30 minutes.

Drink 32 ounces of fluid one hour before your exam and do not empty your bladder until the test is completed.

A full bladder pushes the uterus in a position where we can see it better, and brightens up the entire pelvis so that we can adequately visualize the uterus and ovaries. It also moves the intestines and bowel out of the way.

For all OB patients, drink 24 ounces of water one hour before your exam and do not empty your bladder until the test is completed.

Biophysical profile (BPP)

This test determines the health of your fetus by checking movement, increases in heart rate, muscle tone, breathing rate, and amount of amniotic fluid. Eat or drink something sweet one hour prior to the ultrasound exam, unless contraindicated by your physician.

A transabdominal exam allows us to image the entire liver, spleen, kidneys, gall bladder, pancreas, aorta, IVC, and the trans-vaginal exam will image the uterus and ovaries in more detail.

Yes, but if you are uncomfortable in any way we would be happy to reschedule your appointment.

Do not eat, drink, smoke or chew gum for six (6) hours before the test.

This decreases the amount of gas in the abdomen and allows the gallbladder to be adequately visualized. The gallbladder contracts down when you eat or drink.

Your abdomen has the least amount of gas in the morning.

A renal duplex exam images the arteries going to the kidneys as well as, the very small arteries within the kidneys. On a normal patient, the arteries can be very difficult to see, so it is very important for this exam to be done in the morning to obtain the best possible exam. You do have to drink water prior to the exam because the bladder is also imaged.

Have nothing to eat or drink, including water for 8 hours prior to exam.

No prep but patient must be well hydrated.

Drink 32 oz water 1 hour prior to the exam and hold it.

Drink 32 oz water 1 hour prior to the exam and hold it

Have nothing to eat or drink, including water for 8 hours prior to exam

Drink 32oz water 1 hour prior to the exam and hold it. (Ask if patient is pregnant with twins.)

Drink 32 oz water 1 hour prior to the exam and hold it.

Drink 32 oz water 1 hour prior to the exam and hold it.

Have nothing to eat or drink, including water for 8 hours prior to exam.