Ultrasound

Ultrasound imaging, also known as sonography, uses sound waves to produce images of organs, vessels and tissues in the body. While ultrasound imaging is commonly associated with monitoring the growth and health of a developing baby, this form of imaging has a wide variety of additional uses, such as:

• Evaluating breast lumps or cysts
• Investigating abdominal pain
• Examining organs such as the liver, kidneys, spleen, colon or thyroid for tumors or inflammation
• Evaluating structures in the pelvic area such as the bladder, rectum, ovaries, uterus, vagina, prostate or testicles
• Assessing blood flow to and from the heart
• Diagnosing rotator cuff disorders

When you arrive for your ultrasound, an imaging technologist will greet you and take you to the examination room. You may need to remove clothing or change into a gown.

During the ultrasound, you will lie on an examination table and the imaging technologist will apply a clear gel to the area being examined. Next, the technologist will firmly press a handheld device called a transducer over the gel-covered area, moving it back and forth until the desired images are captured.

Rectal ultrasounds and some pelvic ultrasounds may require gentle insertion of a lubricated transducer a few inches into the body (the rectum or the vagina) to accurately examine structures such as reproductive organs or the lining of the rectum.

Most ultrasound examinations are painless, though you may experience slight discomfort from pressure as the technologist presses the transducer against your body. Ultrasound procedures typically take between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on their complexity. During your exam, you may be asked to change positions so the technologist can examine an area of the body from different angles.

• Follow instructions for your appointment. When you make your appointment, our care team will explain your particular procedure and provide detailed instructions. Depending on the type of ultrasound, you may be asked to arrive to your exam with a full bladder or to limit food and fluid intake for a period of time before the exam.
• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Depending on the part of the body being examined, you may need to remove clothing and jewelry or you may be asked to wear a hospital gown during the procedure.
• Arrange child care and arrive early. For the safety of you and your children, please do not bring them to your appointment. If you are unable to arrange child care, please reschedule your appointment. Arrive to your exam 10-15 minutes early to fill out paperwork.

A radiologist, a physician who specializes in interpreting medical imaging, will analyze the results and send a report to your health care provider. You can also view your results in MyChart once they are available.

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