Procedure
Ultrasound uses sound waves with a frequency higher than the range of human hearing; a technology much like that of Sonar. Ultrasound is used for medical purposes by utilizing a transmitting device called a transducer that sends ultrasonic waves into the body where they “bounce off” the area of interest and return to the ultrasound instrument where the returning sound is converted to a visual image. Ultrasound is non-ionizing, meaning that there is no radiation used which makes Ultrasound one of the safest exams available.
Ultrasound is a medical study ordered by a qualified physician. The purpose of the exam is to image specific organs, regions or systems of the body. An Ultrasound may be ordered to evaluate many regions of the body and may include:
Abdominal Organs: Liver, Gallbladder, Kidneys, Pancreas
Pelvic Organs: Uterus, Ovaries, Bladder, Testicles, Prostate
Peripheral Vascular: Arteries and Veins of the Arms and Legs
Internal Vasculature: Aorta, Vena Cava, Renal Arteries, etc.
Cerebrovasculature: Arteries and Veins of the Head and Neck
Obstetrics: Prenatal OB, Early Pregnancy (Due to new HIPAA Regulations, we do not do videotapes)
Internal Studies: Vaginal Evaluation of the Female Pelvis or Rectal Evaluation of the Prostate
Other Uses: Guidance for Invasive Procedures: Thyroid or Breast Biopsies or Drainage
Expectations
Upon arrival at the UMC Outpatient Department, you will be registered and then escorted to the Radiology Department. An Ultrasound Technologist will greet you and bring you to the procedure room. There they will obtain a brief medical history, discuss your symptoms and fully explain your procedure to you. No visitors are allowed to accompany you in the room for your procedure during your Ultrasound examination. Exceptions to this rule would include minor patients and mentally and/or physically challenged patients who must be accompanied by their caregivers. Upon request, after completion of an OB Ultrasound examination, family member(s) may be allowed in to the examination room to share in the joy of seeing the new baby under Ultrasound. The technologist will review your doctor’s order to verify that the correct exam is being performed. Ultrasound Technologists have received specialized training in the field of Ultrasonography and are required to graduate from an accredited school. They receive their certification from the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) or the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
Examination
You will need to lie on a stretcher during your procedure. The area to be examined will be exposed and a water-based gel will be applied to the site. The gel lubricates the area and helps transmits the sound waves from the transducer to the soft-tissues of your body. The transducer will be moved over the skin’s surface to image various organs. The technologist may apply pressure and you may be asked to hold your breath or change positions. After the exam is finished, they will wipe off any of the residual gel and let you dress and then escort you from the department. Lastly, the technologist will electronically store the images and then transmit them to the Radiologist for interpretation.
Preparation
Depending on the type of Ultrasound exam that you are having, you may be asked to perform a specific prep.
Pelvic/Early Obstetric – You will be asked to fill your bladder for these tests. You will need to drink at least 32 oz. of water one hour prior to the exam and not to go the restroom until the exam is completed. The reason for this prep is that a full bladder provides a fluid-filled window into the pelvis by pushing the bowel up and allowing the pelvic organs to be visualized. Ultrasound passes easily through the fluid in the bladder.
Abdominal, Gallbladder, Aorta, Kidney, Abdominal Vasculature – You will be asked not to eat or drink anything for eight hours prior to your exam. By not eating, you will reduce the amount of air in your intestines. Ultrasound does not penetrate bowel well due to its high air content. If needed, you may take any oral medication with a small sip of water. For optimal results and your convenience, we try and do these studies in the morning.
Time
An Ultrasound exam can take 15 minutes or up to a couple of hours, depending on the type of scan needed. This allows for the preparation time as well as time for the machine to generate and transmit the images. The Ultrasound machines used at University Medical Center are the newest “state of the art” equipment on the market today.
Results
An interpreting physician, called a Radiologist, will read your exam and make a final diagnosis. Their interpretation will be converted to a written report, which will be sent to the physician who ordered your Ultrasound exam. Typically, you should receive your results from your physician within one-two days.