Overview
Ultrasonography is a method of examining parts of the body without
the use of x-rays.
During an ultrasound examination, a water-soluble “gel” is
put on the skin and a transducer or probe is moved over the area to be
scanned. Harmless sound waves pass through the area of interest and record
a picture on film. The results of the ultrasonography are sent to the
referring physician. The types of ultrasound exams and the patient preparation
required are described briefly below.
All Ultrasound exams require a written prescription or referral stating
the exam being ordered and the patient’s signs and symptoms indicating
medical necessity of the procedure.
Patients should bring previous films or related exams to their appointment.
This information is very important and will expedite the report of the
diagnosis back to the referring physician.
Abdominal Sonogram
For evaluation of the upper abdomen, including the gallbladder,
liver, bile ducts, pancreas and spleen. Nothing taken by mouth
after midnight the night before the exam. Any special medication
that is currently being taken by the patient can be taken with a
small amount of water.
Aorta Sonogram
For evaluation of aneurysm. Nothing taken by mouth after midnight
the night before the exam.
Bladder Sonogram
For evaluation of the bladder. Adults drink three 8-ounce glasses of
water 1½ hours before exam time.
The patient should not void.
Children require an individualized preparation. Please check with
our office.
Breast Sonogram
For evaluation of women with a palpable lump or to clarify the nature
of a mass seen on mammography.
No prep required.
Note: This exam should
not be performed for patients with breast pain only.
Breast Aspiration
Procedure using ultrasound guidance for removal of fluid from a breast
cyst. No preparation is required.
Carotid Doppler Sonogram
For evaluation of carotid arteries. No preparation required.
Hip Sonogram
For evaluation of congenital hip dysplasia or joint effusion.
No prep required.
Neurosonogram
To evaluate infants for possible hydrocephalus. No prep required.
Pelvic Sonogram
For evaluation of pregnancy, gynecological problems, abscesses (e.g.
appendiceal, diverticular, etc.) and pelvic or lower abdominal masses.
This examination does not use radiation in any form and is
not harmful to the reproductive organs or unborn babies.
The patient must
eat breakfast the morning of the exam to help the body absorb the water
and fill the bladder. The patient should drink three 8-ounce glasses
of water as quickly as possible 1½ hours
before the sonogram. The patient should not void until after the scan.
While
having the bladder full for the examination may be uncomfortable, the
examination cannot be done otherwise.The bladder must be distended to
push the bowel away from the uterus and to act as a “window” for
the sound waves to pass through the fluid collected in the bladder. Please
note that if the
bladder is not full, we may have to reschedule the appointment.
Pregnancy Sonogram
For evaluation of the pregnancy and surrounding structures. Up to 12
weeks of pregnancy the preparation is the same as the pelvic preparation
described above. After 14 weeks of pregnancy, the patient should drink
two 8 ounce glasses of water as quickly as possible 1½ hours before
the sonogram. The patient should not void until after the scan
Renal Sonogram
For evaluation of masses, obstruction or calcifications. No preparation
is required.
Sonohysterogram
For evaluation of the endometrium. A transvaginal exam will be performed
immediately before the sonohysterogram.
The sonohysterogram is performed by a radiologist. The radiologist
will cleanse the cervix and insert a speculum into the vagina. A thin
catheter will be inserted into the vagina through the cervix to the
endometrium and the speculum is removed. The transvaginal probe will
then be inserted and under ultrasound surveillance, sterile water will
be injected into the endometrial cavity. Some pelvic cramping can be
associated with this procedure, therefore the patient should take two
ibuprofen tablets prior to the exam. Some spotting may occur after
the procedure.
Scrotal Sonogram
For evaluation of scrotal mass or inflammation. No preparation is required.
Thyroid Sonogram
For evaluation of mass or enlargement of the thyroid gland. No preparation
is required. If the patient has had any nuclear medicine scans done
in this area, it is important to have those studies for this exam.
Transvaginal Sonogram (TV)
For evaluation of the endometrium, early pregnancies, and gynecological
problems. Any patient currently using tomaxafin or those on hormone
replacement therapy should have a transvaginal ultrasound.
The TV exam is performed on a patient who has an empty bladder.If a
TV exam is ordered or indicated the patient will be asked to void after
the pelvic sonogram.
The sonographer will ask the patient
to insert a slender probe into her vagina. The probe is covered with
a sterile condom for the patient’s protection. The sonographer
will then take the end of the probe from the patient and gently move
it from side to side. This exam should be painless although sometimes
the patient may experience a slight tugging sensation.
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