Ultrasound
What is an Ultrasound?
Ultrasound is diagnostic imaging utilizing sound waves to produce images of various organs in the body. Ultrasound has the ability to detect a wide variety of disease processes in the body.
What to expect during an ultrasound?
For some exams you may be asked to change into a gown. The part of the body being examined will be uncovered and gel applied to the skin. The gel allows the sound waves to pass through the skin. A transducer (wand) will then be moved across the body area.
Preparation for Ultrasound Exams
Abdomen Ultrasound/Abdomen Doppler
Nothing to eat or drink 8 hours prior to your appointment. Medications may be taken with a small sip of water.
Abdomen and Pelvic Ultrasound
If you have both scheduled at the same time you may drink only water to fill your bladder. Drink 36 ounces of water one hour before your appointment time and do not empty your bladder prior to exam.
Carotid Ultrasound
No preparation is necessary.
OB Ultrasound
Drink 36 ounces of water one hour before your appointment time and do not empty your bladder prior to exam. A full bladder is necessary to visualize the fetus and cervix.
Pelvic Ultrasound
Drink 36 ounces of water one hour before your appointment time and do not empty your bladder prior to exam. A full bladder is necessary to visualize pelvic organs, uterus and ovaries.
Thyroid Ultrasound
No preparation is necessary.
Renal Ultrasound/Renal Artery Doppler
Nothing to eat or drink 8 hours prior to your appointment. Medications may be taken with a small sip of water.
Newborn Abdomen, Renal, Pylorus Studies
Nothing to drink for 4 to 6 hours prior to exam time.
Arterial Doppler
No preparation is necessary.
Venous Doppler
No preparation is necessary.
Testicular
No preparation is necessary.