Ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves to obtain 
images of the human body. The sound waves are transmitted, and then received back through a hand-held device called a transducer. A computer converts this information into images, which the skilled sonographer can observe continuously while moving the transducer over your skin, constantly changing the point of view and adjusting technical factors to demonstrate the anatomy to best advantage. A unique feature of sonography is that is involves no exposure to x-rays, and the pictures can be seen in real time.
What To Expect
It is a painless and safe procedure. A technologist will assist you onto the examination table. A water-based transmission gel will be applied to the area of your body that will be examined. A transducer will be moved slowly over the body part being imaged. You won’t feel a thing except for the slight pressure and movement of the transducer over the part of the body being imaged. Please remain still and relaxed during the procedure. The ultrasound images will appear on a monitor similar to a TV screen and will be recorded either on paper for film for a detailed study. The entire exam usually takes about 30 minutes.
How to prepare for your Ultrasound exam of the abdomen
For morning appointments Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your procedure. – For afternoon appointments Eat a light breakfast, but no food or drinks 8 hours before your procedure. – DO NOT EAT ANY DAIRY 24 HOURS BEFORE YOUR PROCEDURE – Please be sure to bring your referral from your doctor or we may not be able to perform your test. – Please arrive 10 minutes early to register.
How to prepare for your Ultrasound exam for pregnancy, kidneys, and bladder
Eat meals – DO NOT FAST! (Except for ultrasound of the kidneys) Drink 20 ounces of water one hour and 15 minutes prior to the time of your appointment. DO NOT EMPTY your bladder until your procedure has been completed or you have spoken with a technologist. If, for whatever reason, you are unable to maintain a full bladder, please call for further instructions. We request that you arrive at the office 10 minutes before your scheduled appointment for patient information. We take pride in keeping on schedule, but emergencies do happen occasionally. The average time for your procedure is approximately 30 minutes to one hour depending on the kind of examination. The technologist will perform the procedure and a board-certified radiologist will occasionally perform the scan as well. All results of all examinations will be given to you by your referring doctor.
How to prepare for your Ultrasound exam of the pelvis
Eat meals – DO NOT FAST! Drink 32 ounces of clear liquids (no soda) one hour and 15 minutes prior to the time of your exam. (All of the liquid is to be in your system one hour before your appointment so that your bladder will be full.) DO NOT EMPTY your bladder until your study has been completed or you have spoken with a technologist. If, for whatever reason, you are unable to maintain a full bladder, please call for further instructions. We request that you arrive at our office 10 minutes before your scheduled appointment for patient information. We take pride in keeping on schedule, but emergencies do happen occasionally. The average time for your study to be completed is approximately 30 minutes to one hour depending on the kind of examination. The technologist will perform the study, and a Board Certified radiologist will occasionally scan as well. All examination results will be given to you by your referring doctor.
For more information on this topic, please visit www.radiologyinfo.org
