ULTRASOUND
What
is Ultrasound?
Ultrasound is a method of testing that uses sound waves to obtain
real-time pictures of the body’s internal organs. Ultrasound
is a way of looking inside your body without the risks associated
with surgery or radiation.
Why
is an Ultrasound necessary?
In addition to its use for viewing the uterus to provide baby’s
first “picture”, Ultrasound is a useful way of examining
many of the body’s internal organs, including the heart, liver,
gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, bladder, uterus, ovaries,
thyroid and blood vessels. 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 functions. This
can help to diagnose a variety of conditions and to assess the source
of pain, swelling or infection in many parts of the body.
Is
there any preparation for my exam?
While some Ultrasound exams do require that you not eat prior to
the exam, others require a full bladder. For specific preparation
instructions, please see detailed information below. For any further
concerns, call our office at 706-278-XRAY (9729),
or check with your doctor’s office.
What
should I expect during my Ultrasound?
You will be asked to change into a gown and lie down on an examining
table. The technologist will rub a special gel on your skin and
then pass a transducer over your skin. You may feel some pressure
as the transducer is moved over your body, however, it is not at
all painful.
When
can I receive my results?
Your results will be faxed to your doctor’s office the same
day as your exam. A radiologist is available to tailor the exam
and discuss any concerns you may have. Dalton Imaging Center will
also provide the films to your doctor’s office upon request.
Because Dalton Imaging Center recognizes that tests and other medical
procedures can be unsettling at times, we make every effort to completely
answer any questions related to testing procedures.
Ultrasound
Abdomen and Gallbladder
Ultrasound is extremely sensitive in detecting a host of pathologies
(stones, masses, fatty infiltrations, enlargements, atrophy) effecting
the major organs in the abdominal cavity. Our comprehensive scans
will evaluate the patient’s aorta, pancreas, gallbladder,
common bile duct, liver, kidneys and spleen. The patient must not
eat or drink anything after midnight the night prior to the scheduled
exam. Patients may continue to take prescription medications as
long as they can be taken on an empty stomach with only a small
amount of water. This exam will take approximately 30 minutes
Ultrasound Pelvis - Transabdominal
An Ultrasound of the pelvis is a detailed examination used to detect
abnormalities of the patient’s uterus, ovaries, adnexal regions
and urinary bladder. Patient may maintain a normal diet. Please
drink 32 ounces of water 1 hour prior to scheduled appointment and
do not urinate before the test is completed. We MUST have the bladder
full for this exam. This exam will take 20 minutes once the patient’s
bladder is full.
Ultrasound
Pelvis - Endovaginal
For this examination, the patient is asked to undress and put on
a gown. The examination is performed with the patient lying down
in a position similar to having a pap smear. An Ultrasound probe
will be placed inside the vagina in order to better visualize the
uterus and ovaries. Our probes are covered with a sterile, disposable
covering and in addition, we sterilize the probe after each use.
Patient may maintain a normal diet. This test requires the patient
to have an empty bladder. The examination will take approximately
20-30 minutes.
OB
Ultrasound (Pregnancy)
For this examination several measurements are made of the baby’s
head, abdomen and femur (thigh bone) to calculate the fetal age
and weight. The patient preparation for this examination is the
same as for a pelvic ultrasound. This exam will take 30-45 minutes.
•
Pregnancies with gestations under 12 weeks may require an endovaginal
scan in order to better visualize certain structures.
(see endovaginal pelvis exam)
Vascular
Studies
Doppler Ultrasound is a safe and non-invasive method for evaluating
blood flow through the veins and arteries. By utilizing color Doppler,
our radiologist can diagnose DVT (deep vein thrombosis), PVD (peripheral
vascular disease), plaque deposits, torsion (absence of blood flow),
stenosis (narrowing), aneurysms and a host of other pathologies.
There is no preparation for this examination.
Exam
Duration:
Extremities (arms / legs) (venous or arterial):
30 minutes each
Carotid: 45 minutes
Aorta: 30 minutes
Renal artery: 40 minutes
Renal
Ultrasound
A renal Ultrasound is an exam used to evaluate the kidneys for any
abnormalities. The patient should not eat anything past midnight
the night prior to the scheduled exam. Patient should drink 20 ounces
of water one hour prior to exam time and not urinate before the
exam. Scanning the urinary bladder is necessary for this test. The
exam will take approximately 30 minutes.
Thyroid
Ultrasound
Ultrasound is very useful in detecting nodules, masses and overall
enlargement (goiter) involving the thyroid gland. There is no preparation
for this exam. The exam will take approximately 20 minutes. |
