What is General Ultrasound Imaging?
Ultrasound imaging is a method of obtaining images from inside the body using high-frequency sound waves. These sound waves are reflected and recorded as real-time images. This means they can show movement of internal tissues and organs without involving X-ray. It is a useful way of examining the body's internal organs, including the liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, uterus, ovaries and bladder. Ultrasound is also useful in evaluating superficial structures, such as the thyroid gland, breast and scrotum.
How should I prepare for the procedure?
You should wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing for your ultrasound exam. Additional preparation depends on the type of exam you are having. For example, your physician may instruct you not to eat or drink anything for as many as eight hours before your appointment. With others you might be asked to drink up to 40 ounces of water to have a full bladder. Some exams, however, require no additional preparation.
| Type of Scan |
Organs Examined |
How Patient Should Prepare |
| Abdomen |
Pancreas, Inferior Vena Cava, Aorta. Liver, Kidneys, Gallbladder, Spleen, Common Bile Duct |
Nothing to eat or drink at least 6 hours prior to exam |
| Right Upper Quadrant |
Pancreas, Liver, Gallbladder, Right Kidney Common Bile Duct |
Nothing to eat or drink at least 6 hour prior to exam |
| Aorta |
Aorta |
Nothing to eat or drink at least 6 hour prior to exam |
| Renal (Kidneys) |
Right and Left Kidney, Urinary Bladder |
Drink water until urine runs clear
Do not hold bladder
|
| Pelvis |
Female- Uterus and Ovaries
Male- Urinary Bladder
|
Drink at least 40 ounces of water 1 hour before exam. Do not empty bladder. |
| Thyroid |
Right and Left Thyroid lobes |
No preparation |
| Scrotum |
Right and Left Testicle |
No preparation |
| Breast |
Right or Left Breast
|
No preparation |
| Venous Doppler |
Left or Right Leg |
No preparation |
| Miscellaneous |
Your physician might request other areas |
No preparation |
How is the procedure performed?
The patient is usually lying down on an examination table. A clear gel is applied to the patient's body on the area to be examined. This is done because sound waves are unable to penetrate air. The gel helps to eliminate air pockets between the transducer and the skin's surface. The technologist will then firmly press the transducer against the skin and sweep it back and forth to image the area of interest. There might be some discomfort from pressure applied by the technologist, but most ultrasound examinations are painless, fast and easy. We'll then ask you to get dressed and wait while the technologist reviews the images with the radiologist.
Last updated December 27, 2007 |
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