What is Ultrasound?

Ultrasound, also called sonography, is a method of imaging the body using sound waves. Ultrasound bounces sound waves off tissue inside the body and reveals what is there, since different tissue reflects sound differently. The ultrasound computer uses this information to produce images of the body.

What to expect during your Ultrasound exam

You will be asked to lie down on a padded table and a liquid gel will be spread on your skin above the area which is to be examined. The technologist will move a device called a "transducer" slowly over your skin which has the gel on it, and an image will appear on the monitor. It is important that you remain as still as possible to ensure clear images. Depending on the exam that was ordered, you may be required to have a full bladder.

Safety

An ultrasound test uses no radiation or x-rays, and is completely non-invasive.

Common uses for Ultrasound

Ultrasound is an excellent tool in several diagnostic evaluations, including: examining the fetus during pregnancy, visualizing certain gynecological functions in non-pregnant women, characterizing tumors and cysts, evaluating the gallbladder and related organs, and for noninvasive evaluation of vascular disease.

Patient Comfort

The test itself is completely painless. Some mild discomfort may result from lying on the table, a hard surface that may feel cool. Sometimes, to get a clear image of the injury, you may be asked to hold an uncomfortable position for a moment while the x-ray is taken. Any movement could blur the image and make it necessary to repeat the procedure to obtain a useful, clear picture.

 

Ultrasound in conjunction with other tests

An ultrasound study may be used in conjunction with other diagnostic tests. For example, an ultrasound carotid Doppler study may be used along with a CT or an MRI. A breast ultrasound may be done after a mammography exam.

Preparation

Your physician will give you instructions on how to prepare for your specific exam or you may call our front desk to inquire. It is important to follow these instructions to ensure the most accurate diagnostic results. In addition, please advise the staff if you have had previous ultrasound exams so that our physician can use them for comparison.

Length of the exam

The length of the exam varies with the type of ultrasound exam you are having. Typically, most exams may be completed within 15-30 minutes.

Ultrasound Tests and Applications

*Abdominal: ( Transabdominal sonography )

To look for causes of upper abdominal pain that may be related to problems in the liver, gallbladder, pancreas or kidneys.

● To detect gallstones
● To evaluate the kidneys
● Evaluation for appendicitis
● To look for enlargements (aneurysms) and other abnormalities of abdominal blood vessels

*Gynecologic: ( Pelvic or transvaginal ultrasound )

● Monitoring of ovarian follicles in infertility patients
● Localization of nonvisualized ovaries by transabdominal sonography, especially obese
   and post-menopausal patients
● To help characterize adnexal masses as cystic, solid or complex
● To identify size and location of uterine fibroids
● Localization of intrauterine device
● Identification of ovarian or uterine metastasis
● Helps to characterize pelvic masses

*Obstetrical (OB):

● Patients with a clinical question of ectopic pregnancy
● Evaluation of blighted ovum
● Confirmation of suspected early intrauterine pregnancy
● Early diagnosis of complications in pregnancy
● To add further definition of suspected fetal abnormalities
● Accesses: Early embryos, ectopic pregnancies, incomplete abortions

 *Breast:

● To identify cysts/lumps
● To detect breast-implant leaks
● To serve as a guide to a surgeon during a biopsy

*Carotid Doppler: (Carotid Doppler / D.V. Thrombosis)

● Carotid artery disease
● Carotid stenosis
● Lower Extremity Vascular Thrombosis
● Lower Extremity Vascular Masses 

Cardiac: (Echocardiography)

● Heart valve abnormalities

*Small Parts/Extremities:

● Testicular
● Thyroid

Benefits of Ultrasound

Ultrasound is an excellent tool used for several diagnostic situations, including:

● Examining the fetus during pregnancy.
● Visualizing abnormalities of the ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus.
● Characterization of tumors and cysts.
● Defining suspicious lumps in the breast following a mammogram.
● Evaluating the gallbladder and related structures
● Evaluating kidney stones which may only be seen with ultrasound.
● Non-invasive evaluation of vascular disease
● Examination of the valves of the heart (echocardiography)
● Visualizing the flow of blood through the body (color-Doppler)

After the test

The patient can resume normal activities

Results

At Lifescape Imaging - Cypress, we have a radiologist / cardiologist on site for the test to be interpreted promptly. All of our radiologists are Board Certified by the American College of Radiology. The results will be phoned, faxed, mailed, or delivered electronically to the referring physician. Your referring physician will share the results with you.