Ultrasound

Ultrasound Accreditation by American College of RadiologyUltrasound (US) imaging, also called ultrasound scanning or sonography, is a method of obtaining images from inside the human body through the use of high-frequency sound waves. The sound wave echoes are recorded and displayed as a real-time visual image. No ionizing radiation is involved in ultrasound imaging.

Ultrasound is a useful way of examining many of the body’s internal organs, including the heart, liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, and bladder. Because ultrasound images are captured in real-time, they can show movement of internal tissues and organs, and enable physicians to see blood flow and heart valve functions. This can help to diagnose a variety of heart conditions and to assess damage after a heart attack or other illness.  Breast ultrasound is used to visualize breast cysts, solid nodules or lymph nodes.

Preparation Instructions

  • If you weigh more than 300 lbs, please inform the scheduler.
  • For abdominal exams, do not eat or drink 8 hours prior to your exam.
  • Some exams require a full bladder.  If this is necessary, you will be notified at the time you schedule your appointment.

Obstetric Ultrasound

Ultrasound (US) imaging, also called ultrasound scanning or sonography, is a method of obtaining images from inside the human body through the use of high frequency sound waves. Obstetric ultrasound refers to the specialized use of sound waves to visualize and thus determine the condition of a pregnant woman and her embryo or fetus. The movement of the embryo or fetus and fetal heart can be seen as an ongoing ultrasound “movie.” Most ultrasound devices also have an audio component that processes the echoes produced by blood flowing through the fetal heart, blood vessels and umbilical cord. This sound can be made audible to human ears and has been described by patients as a “whooshing noise.”

Preparation Instructions

  • If you weigh more than 300 lbs, please notify the scheduler.
  • This exam requires a full bladder.  Empty your bladder then finish drinking 24 oz of clear fluid one hour prior to your exam.

Musculoskeletal Ultrasound

Musculoskeletal ultrasound (US) or sonography utilizes sound waves to examine the musculoskeletal system of the body to detect problems with muscles, tendons, joints and soft tissue.  Those sound waves are reflected off the internal organs. The reflections are then interpreted by special instruments that subsequently create an image of anatomic parts. No ionizing radiation is involved in ultrasound imaging.

Preparation Instructions:

  • If you weigh more than 300 lbs, please inform the scheduler.

Thyroid/Parathyroid Ultrasound

A thyroid and parathyroid ultrasound is an imaging test to evaluate the thyroid and parathyroid glands.  Since ultrasound imaging utilizes sound waves, no ionizing radiation is involved.  In cases where a lump can be felt on the thyroid gland, a thyroid ultrasound can generally distinguish between a tumor and a simple fluid-filled sac.  This test can also determine whether the thyroid gland is enlarged and guide the placement of the needle during a thyroid biopsy.

Preparation instructions

  • No preparation is required.