Ultrasound
What is an Ultrasound?
Ultrasound is an imaging technique that does not involve radiation but rather uses high-frequency sound waves generated by a handheld device called a transducer. The transducer is placed on the skin where it uses the echoes created by the sound waves to create images of the internal organs.
There are many applications for ultrasound, such as evaluating abdominal and pelvic organs, assessing blood vessels for clots or atherosclerotic plaque, examining the superficial structures of the neck and extremities, and providing guidance for biopsies or for draining fluid collections.
Our equipment has applications in the following imaging scans:
- Abdomen/Pelvis
- Peripheral Vascular including arterial & venous dopplers
- Vascular including carotid studies
- Thyroid
- Testicular
- Renal
- Upper/Lower Extremities
- Liver including shear wave elastography
Preparing for your exam
Abdominal Ultrasound – Nothing to eat or drink for 6 hours prior to the exam.
Pelvic Ultrasound (transabdominal) – Start drinking 32 ounces of water one and one- half hours before your exam. Finish the water one hour before your examination. Do not empty your bladder until the study is completed.
Renal Ultrasound – Start drinking 20 ounces of water one and one-half hours before your appointment. Finish the water one hour before your examination. Do not empty your bladder until the study is completed.