Ultrasound
Ultrasound (or sonography) uses reflected sound waves to create real-time images of soft tissues, including muscles, blood vessels and organs. Because sound waves are used, there is no radiation exposure during this procedure.
Although most commonly used to examine the fetus during pregnancy, it is also an effective tool for monitoring blood flow using Doppler ultrasound technology. Ultrasound can be used to discover abnormalities in organs, and detect narrowed arteries, clotted veins, or growths such as tumors and cysts.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is ultrasound painful?
Ultrasound is not painful. There may be feelings of discomfort if you have a prostate or transvaginal ultrasound because a thin probe will be inserted into the vagina or rectum.
Why is ultrasound useful?
It has a wide variety of uses, as it does not emit X-rays. It can image a growing fetus in the womb or it can show motion of blood in veins and arteries. It also is a widely used diagnostic tool for understanding abnormalities of the heart, abdomen and kidneys. Because ultrasound does not penetrate well through bone or air, it is difficult to assess lungs or bones.
What are different types and descriptions of ultrasound?
- Abdomen – Used to study the size and shape of internal organs. Detects any abnormal growth. About 30 minutes to perform the exam.
- Arterial/Venous study – To determine blood flow and look for blockages. Also studies competency of vein valves.
- Breast – Used to determine whether a lump is a cyst or solid mass. Exam length approximately 20 minutes.
- Cardiac – Studies the size and shape of the heart muscle. Evaluates competency of the heart valves and the condition of the heart walls. This exam takes about one hour to perform.
- Obstetric – Used to determine size, anatomy and due date of an unborn child. It also surveys the position of the fetus and placenta. Exam length is about one hour.
- Pelvis – Evaluate uterine cavity. May require a thin probe to be inserted into the vagina. Used to study the ovaries and uterus. Exam length is approximately 30 minutes.
- Pregnancy diagnosis – Determines if the patient is pregnant and the gestational age. This exam may require a probe to be inserted into the vagina. Exam length is approximately 30 minutes.
- Prostate – Used to evaluate the size of the prostate gland. A thin probe will be inserted into the rectum to better visualize the anatomy. Exam length is about 30 minutes.
- Thoracentesis – Used to localize an area of fluid collection to be drained, particularly in the lungs. This procedure takes about 30 minutes.
What is doppler ultrasound?
It is an ultrasound study of the arteries that measures the speed of the blood flow. It produces a graph that charts the systolic and diastolic pressure of a blood vessel.
How do I prepare for an ultrasound?
Detailed instructions will be given prior to your procedure.
For more information, please call: (936) 634-8311