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What is an ultrasound?
When is an ultrasound used?
Specialized Exams
HOW TO PREPARE
What is an ultrasound?
Ultrasound scanning, also called “ultrasound imaging” or “sonography,” is a method of obtaining images from inside the human body through the use of high-frequency sound waves. The sound waves are recorded and displayed as a live image. Because ultrasound images are captured in real time, they can show movement of internal tissues and organs, and enable physicians to see blood flow .
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When is an ultrasound used?
Ultrasounds are used for a variety of reasons, one of the most common being during pregnancy to obtain pictures of a baby in the womb. Here are some other exams:
- Abdomen
- Abdominal Doppler
- Breast
- Pelvis
- Renal transplant
- Testicular
- Thyroid
- Transvaginal
- Evaluation of the kidneys, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen and blood vessels of the abdomen.
- Rule out masses and aneurysms.
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Specialized Exams
There are a number of specialized exams ultrasounds are used for:
- Breast-Thyroid biopsies
- Extensive diagnostic OB
- Hysterosonograms
- Soft tissue biopsies
Because ultrasounds provide real-time images, they can also be used to:
- Guide procedures such as needle biopsies, in which a needle is used to sample cells from an organ for laboratory testing.
- Help a physician determine the source of abdominal pain, such as stones in the gallbladder or appendix, or an inflamed appendix.
- Help identify the cause of enlargement of the abdominal organ.
Doppler Ultrasound is a special type of ultrasound study that is used in the examination of major blood vessels. These images can help the physician to see and evaluate:
- Blockages to blood flow, such as clots.
- Build-up of plaque inside the vessel.
- Congenital malformations.
With knowledge about the speed and volume of blood flow gained from ultrasound imaging, the physician often can determine whether you are a good candidate for a procedure such as angioplasty.
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HOW TO PREPARE
Preparations will vary depending on the kind of exam you are having performed:
For any ultrasound please plan on arriving 15 minutes prior to your appointment for patient registration.
- Abdominal ultrasound
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Nothing to eat or drink after midnight (or at least six hours prior to your exam).
- Abdomen and pelvic ultrasound (scheduled together)
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Nothing to eat at least six hours prior to exam.
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Drink 32 ounces of fluid one hour prior to your exam. Please do not empty your bladder.
- Pelvic ultrasound
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Drink 32 ounces of fluid one (1) hour prior to your exam. Please do not empty your bladder as a full
bladder is necessary for the exam.
- Hysterosonogram
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Drink 32 ounces of fluid one (1) hour prior to your exam. Please do not empty your bladder as a full
bladder is necessary for the exam.
- Your exam needs to be scheduled 7-10 days following the first day of your menstrual period.
- Please abstain for sexual intercourse following the first day of your period through the day of
your appointment.
- Please take a home pregnancy test the morning of your exam to confirm your pregnancy status.
- OB (Pregnancy) Ultrasound
- Drink 32 ounces of fluid one (1) hour prior to your exam. Please do not empty your bladder as a
full bladder is necessary for the exam.
- Renal (kidney) ultrasound
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Drink 16 ounces of fluid prior to your exam. A full bladder is helpful, so if possible, please refrain
from emptying your bladder.
- Guided biopsy of the Breast, Thyroid, or Soft Tissue
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Please refrain from aspirin products five (5) days prior to the exam.
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No other preparation required.
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Prior mammogram and ultrasound needed.
The following ultrasounds do not require any preparation:
- Carotid
- Breast
- Scrotum/Testicular
- Thyroid
- Venous Doppler (DVT)
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