Exam: Ultrasound

About Ultrasound

Ultrasound (US) is an imaging technique which has been in widespread medical use since the 1970's, although the practical technology and applications were developed in the 1950's.

Ultrasound energy is generated by soundwaves of 20,000 vibrations/second or greater, far above the frequency which can be detected by the human ear. The ultrasound transducer gives off sound waves which are reflected back from the organs and tissues, allowing an electronic picture of what is inside the body to be drawn on a screen. Ultrasound, like CT and MRI, is a "cross-sectional" imaging technique, meaning that the images created provide three-dimensional information and are like "slices" of the area examined. With ultrasound the technologist can create these images in any plane necessary by angling the transducer.

There is no radiation (x-ray) utilized in obtaining an ultrasound image and it is an extremely safe technique. It is best at visualizing "soft tissues", i.e. abdominal and pelvic organs, blood vessels, thyroid, and pregnancy, rather than other tissues such as bone and lung.

Ultrasound can also be utilized as guidance for non-invasive needle biopsies. At our Nutley office, breast and thyroid biopsies are performed under ultrasound guidance.

Please refer to each anatomic location for more detailed information on the use of ultrasound according to anatomy.

Ultrasound At Our Offices

All of our offices utilize state-of-the-art digital ultrasound with color Doppler capability. Currently, Siemens Sonoline Antares units are installed in all of our offices.

What to expect

Ultrasound is an easy, non-invasive test for the patient. 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 purpose of the gel is to maintain good contact with the skin, as air interferes with the ultrasound signal. She will then proceed to obtain images of the body in multiple views by moving the transducer over the skin. The examination is comfortable and non-invasive, and no needles or contrast injections are required.

Some examinations, such as abdominal ultrasound, will require you to be in a fasting state. Other examinations, including pelvic and obstetrical ultrasound, will require a full urinary bladder. Our office staff will provide you with detailed instructions for exam preparation when you call to schedule the examination.