Key Points about Ultrasounds
- Ultrasound can detect diseased or damaged tissue, locate abnormal growth and identify a wide variety of conditions.
- Depending on the exam, gel may be applied to prevent air from getting between your skin and the probe.
About ultrasound
Ultrasound uses sound waves to create still or video images of soft tissue and organs in the body. This involves the use of a small probe. Ultrasound can detect diseased or damaged tissue, locate abnormal growth and identify a wide variety of conditions. Because ultrasound images are captured in real time, they can show the structure and movement of the body’s internal organs and well as blood flowing through the blood vessels.
When the probe is placed on the area of concern, high wave frequency sound waves are directed into the body. These sound waves echo back and the probe converts the waves into images of the body. Those images are captured on the monitor and available for the radiologist to interpret.
Preparing for an ultrasound exam
If your abdomen or pelvic regions are to be examined, you may be asked not to eat or drink after midnight prior to the exam or asked to report with a full bladder. Otherwise, there is no special preparation required before your ultrasound.
Expectations during an ultrasound exam
You should wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing. You may be asked to remove your clothes and jewelry and wear a gown.
Depending on the exam, gel may be applied to prevent air from getting between your skin and the probe. A technologist will apply the gel and run the probe over your skin around the area being examined. Ultrasound is painless and noninvasive in most cases.
Length of ultrasound exam
Ultrasound procedures are painless and safe. Ultrasounds usually take less than 30 minutes to complete.
Ultrasound uses sound waves to create still or video images of soft tissue and organs in the body. This involves the use of a small probe. Ultrasound can detect diseased or damaged tissue, locate abnormal growth and identify a wide variety of conditions. Because ultrasound images are captured in real time, they can show the structure and movement of the body’s internal organs and well as blood flowing through the blood vessels.
When the probe is placed on the area of concern, high wave frequency sound waves are directed into the body. These sound waves echo back and the probe converts the waves into images of the body. Those images are captured on the monitor and available for the radiologist to interpret.
How do I prepare for an exam?
If your abdomen or pelvic regions are to be examined, you may be asked not to eat or drink after midnight prior to the exam or asked to report with a full bladder. Otherwise, there is no special preparation required before your ultrasound.
What should I expect during my exam?
You should wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing. You may be asked to remove your clothes and jewelry and wear a gown.
Depending on the exam, gel may be applied to prevent air from getting between your skin and the probe. A technologist will apply the gel and run the probe over your skin around the area being examined. Ultrasound is painless and noninvasive in most cases.
How long will the exam take?
Ultrasound procedures are painless and safe. Ultrasounds usually take less than 30 minutes to complete.