What is Ultrasound Imaging?
Ultrasound imaging uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of internal organs and blood flow inside the body. The exam does not use radiation and is safe and painless. There are no harmful effects of ultrasound imaging on humans, and it is used frequently on pregnant women and their unborn children.
Physicians use ultrasound imaging to diagnose what may be causing swelling, pain, or infection in the patient’s body. Ultrasound imaging allows technologists to scan organs including the heart, gallbladder, liver, bladder, kidneys, uterus, thyroid and parathyroid glands, and scrotum. Physicians are also able to guide biopsies, diagnose heart conditions, and evaluate tumors and blood flow by using ultrasound imaging.
How do I prepare for my Ultrasound?
To prepare for your exam, ask your physician at least one day in advance if your ultrasound will require any dietary restrictions. For some of the scans, you may not be permitted to eat or drink for up to 12 hours prior to your exam. In other cases, you may have to drink a significant amount of water before your exam. When you get to your exam, you may be required to remove jewelry or clothing from the area of your body being scanned.
You should bring any previous x-rays of the area being examined and other essential medical information with you to your exam to assure the best study and most accurate results.
What should I expect during the procedure?
During your exam, a technologist will apply a gel to your skin to eliminate air and transmit sound waves between your skin and the hand-held device called a transducer that converts sound wave data into 3-dimensional images. The technologist will take a number of photos of the images being displayed on the sceen. You may be asked to hold your breath for a short period of time or to change positions during your exam. The exam will take around 30 minutes or less. After your exam, the gel will be wiped off of your skin and you will be able to resume your daily activities unless directed otherwise by your physician or technologist.
When will I be informed of my results?
After your ultrasound study, the radiologist will mail or fax the results to your physician. The average turn around time for Radiology reports at J.C. Blair is about 8 hours unless the radiologist needs to research more information about your medical history or previous studies for comparison. Your physician will schedule an appointment with you where he or she will discuss the study results.
Your Ultrasound at J.C. Blair Memorial Hospital
is scheduled for _____________________ at ___________.
Please arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment to register in the Main Lobby, unless you have been pre-registered. Be sure to bring your physician’s order with you.