Expert Imaging for Your Abdominal Organs
Ultrasound is a common diagnostic imaging technique that produces images through the use of high-frequency sound waves. Ultrasound is so widely used thanks to its non-invasive, extremely safe practice, which involves absolutely no radiation. That is why it is the chosen imaging method used for pregnant women. However, pregnancy is not the only time when ultrasound imaging is applicable. Ultrasound can also be used to provide real-time imaging for concerns related to the gallbladder, liver, spleen, kidneys, bladder, breast and other internal organs.
Ultrasound procedures performed by our experienced staff:
- Abdominal
- Pelvic Ultrasound
- Vascular and Doppler Ultrasound
- Thyroid Ultrasound
- Testicular Ultrasound
- Pediatric/Adult Renal Ultrasound
- Sonoelasticity
- Musculoskeletal Ultrasound & Procedures (scheduled at the Medical Office Building)
- Breast Ultrasound
Why Are Ultrasound Exams Done?
Ultrasound provides real-time imaging of many abdominal tissues and organs using a painless and non-invasive method. It is used in evaluation abdominal organs, such as the gallbladder, liver, spleen, kidneys, and pelvic organs, such as the uterus, ovaries and bladder. The carotid arteries of the neck and the veins of the legs are also commonly studied through ultrasound.
There are no known risks to ultrasound imaging. There is no radiation used in ultrasound imaging.
Musculoskeletal ultrasounds and procedures are performed to help diagnose or manage a range of injuries and chronic conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, rotator cuff tears, tendonitis, and more. Please consult with your referring provider to determine if musculoskeletal imaging can benefit you.
What Happens During an Ultrasound?
An ultrasound technician or sonographer will meet you and take you into a private ultrasound suite. A small ultrasound probe is placed over the area to be imaged and high-frequency sound waves are used to create images of body tissues.
Once all the appropriate images are obtained, the images are reviewed with a board-certified radiologist to ensure no further imaging is needed. Again, this procedure is painless and radiation-free.
How to Prepare for an Ultrasound
If you are scheduled to receive an ultrasound, see below to find out what you need to do to prepare for your procedure.
Abdominal: Procedure lasts about 30 minutes and includes the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, aorta, abscess, and spleen. Take nothing by mouth after midnight prior to the study, except prescribed medication.
Pelvic: Procedure lasts 30 to 45 minutes. Drink 32 oz. of fluid 1 ½ hours before the study, to be completed one hour before your appointment. Do not empty your bladder.
Obstetrical: Procedure lasts 30 to 45 minutes. Drink 32 oz. of fluid 1 ½ hours before the study, to be completed one hour before your appointment. Do not empty your bladder.