Ultrasound

How does Ultrasound Work?

Through the use of high-frequency sound waves, ultrasound can produce an image of an organ or tissue by recording the ultrasonic echoes as they strike tissues of different densities. This simple and safe technique is most useful for examining soft tissue organs such as the gallbladder, heart, liver, kidneys, pancreas, bladder, uterus, ovaries, scrotum, thyroid, and more. Ultrasound is well-known for its application during pregnancy, allowing the physician to see the baby in the uterus to determine size, growth, position, amount of amniotic fluid and the position of the placenta. The technique is also used for amniocentesis, a prenatal test designed to screen for chromosomal abnormalities as well as fetal lung maturity. In addition, ultrasound can be highly effective in examining small body parts such as the thyroid, breast, and scrotum to detect cysts, nodules, or other masses. During ultrasound, high frequency sound waves are used to produce an image of the body. There is no ionizing radiation (X-rays) involved with this procedure. The sound waves are transmitted by a transducer (a small rod-like microphone), which is passed over the part of the body being investigated. The ultrasonographer will apply a lubricating sound transmission gel on your skin before placing the transducer on it. Next, a high-frequency signal (sound wave) is transmitted through the gel. As the transducer passes over the body, the sound waves produce echoes when they come in contact with organs or structures within the body. These echoes are received by the same transducer that produced them and the information gathered is displayed on a computer screen. The image is then sent to our PACS for interpretation by our radiologist. Essentially, ultrasound works like sonar to create pictures “joined by the computer.”

Preparation for your Test

Pelvic Ultrasound:

• Drink four, eight-ounce (32 ounces) glasses of water one hour prior to your scheduled examination.
• Do not urinate.

• No preparation necessary

• Nothing to eat or drink 6 hours prior to your appointment

• Drink two glasses of water one hour before appointment, do not empty bladder. No food restrictions.

• Drink 32 oz., (4 glasses) of water one hour before appointment. Do not empty bladder. No food restrictions.

• No preparation necessary

When and where should I report for my examination?

We have reserved a time for your examination so it is important that you be prompt. It is suggested that you arrive at the hospital at least 20 minutes before your scheduled time to register in the Patient Access Department. Patient Access is located on the first floor of the hospital to the left of the main hospital lobby. You will then be directed to the Radiology Department , located on the first floor of the Diagnostic and Therapeutic area of the medical center, where a technologist will escort you to a dressing booth where you will change into a hospital gown in preparation for your imaging procedure.

When will I know the results?

After your procedure is completed, the radiologist will review your images, and the results of your procedure will be mailed to your physician.

Our Staff

Specifically trained in the most sophisticated and up-to-date imaging technology available, our staff is comprised of registered ultrasonographers and experienced boardcertified radiologists. Our ultrasound department is accredited by the American College of Radiology. We are also highly skilled in the specialized art of caring. We take the time to put patients at ease, ensure their privacy, and comfort and reassure them that these tests do not hurt. Our dedicated healthcare team works in close collaboration with referring physicians and in consultation with a wide spectrum of medical specialists at St. Joseph Medical Center, including neurologists, radiologists, internists, orthopedists, obstetricians, gynecologists and cardiologists, among others.

Questions or concerns?

If you have any questions concerning your imaging procedure , please call St. Joseph Medical Center Department of Radiology – 610-378-2232.