Ultrasound

What is an Ultrasound?

An ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create pictures of the inside of your body. Also called sonography, ultrasounds help doctors diagnose conditions, guide procedures, and monitor ongoing treatments. Unlike X-rays or CT scans, ultrasounds don't use radiation, making them particularly safe for pregnant women and their developing babies.

Why Would I Need an Ultrasound?

Ultrasounds are used for a variety of reasons, including:

• Examining internal organs such as the liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, and bladder
• Monitoring the development of a baby during pregnancy
• Diagnosing conditions affecting the heart, blood vessels, and other soft tissues
• Guiding needle biopsies and other minimally invasive procedures
• Evaluating blood flow through vessels
• Examining the thyroid gland, breasts, testes, or ovaries
• Detecting abnormalities in joints, muscles, and tendons

How to Prepare for an Ultrasound

Preparation for an ultrasound varies depending on the type of exam. Your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions, but here are some general guidelines:

• For abdominal ultrasounds, you may need to fast for 8-12 hours before the exam to reduce gas in your intestines and allow better visualization of the gallbladder.
• For pelvic ultrasounds, you might need to drink several glasses of water and have a full bladder during the exam.
• For obstetric ultrasounds, preparation varies depending on the stage of pregnancy.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing that can be easily adjusted for the examination.
• Follow any specific instructions about medications, eating, or drinking provided by your healthcare provider.

What to Expect During an Ultrasound

During an ultrasound:

1. You'll lie on an examination table, and the technician will apply a special gel to the area being examined. This gel helps transmit the sound waves.
2. The technician will press a small handheld device called a transducer against your skin and move it over the area being examined.
3. The transducer sends sound waves into your body, collects the waves that bounce back, and sends them to a computer that creates images.
4. You may feel slight pressure as the technician moves the transducer, but the procedure is generally painless.
5. For some types of ultrasounds, a special transducer may be inserted into a natural opening in your body, such as the vagina for certain pelvic ultrasounds.
6. The procedure typically takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the type of ultrasound.