Ultrasound

An ultrasound is a “cross-sectional” imaging technique, meaning that the images created provide three-dimensional information and are like “slices” of the area examined. There is no radiation utilized in obtaining an ultrasound image, and is thus an extremely safe technique.

Ultrasounds are best at visualizing “soft tissues,” such as abdominal and pelvic organs, blood vessels, thyroid, and pregnancy. Ultrasounds can help physicians detect the causes of pain, swelling and infection in the body’s internal organs and also examine a baby in pregnant women.

Some ultrasound examinations will require you to fast, while others require a full urinary bladder. Before your ultrasound exam, our staff will provide you with detailed instructions for exam preparation. Please visit our patient instructions for ultrasound exams for more information.

Ultrasound is an easy, painless, and non-invasive imaging procedure for the patient and do not require any needles or contrast injections.

Most ultrasound examinations are completed within 30 minutes. You will simply lie on a padded table and the ultrasound technologist will begin the examination by applying a clear water-soluble gel to the skin overlying the body part to be examined. The technologist will then obtain images of the body in multiple views by moving the transducer over the skin. After an ultrasound, you should be able to resume normal activities.

Specifically trained to interpret ultrasound examinations, our board certified radiologists will analyze the images and send a signed report to your referring physician.