Ultrasound What to Expect

Ultrasound is a diagnostic imaging modality that produces images of your body using sound waves and without radiation. Recent advances in ultrasound technology have made this type of imaging a valuable tool in the detection of many conditions.

Before Your Ultrasound

Preparation: A small number of ultrasound exams require that you follow special instructions before your exam, such as drinking extra water or not eating for several hours.

**If you are not sure about special instructions for your exam, please check with your doctor’s office.

When you arrive: You should arrive 10 – 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment to allow time to complete any required paperwork.

What to wear: You should dress in comfortable clothing. It might be necessary for you to change into a hospital gown. If you are wearing jewelry or anything that will interfere with the exam, we may ask you to remove it. It is best that you leave valuable items at home.

Ultrasound Exam Descriptions

Pelvic Ultrasound:

A PELVIC ULTRASOUND examines the uterus, ovaries, and surrounding tissues.

For an overall view of these structures an external approach is used. For a more detailed view, a narrow probe is gently inserted internally.

You will be draped with sheets and towels to preserve as much modesty and privacy as possible.

Abdominal Ultrasound or Renal Ultrasound:

An ABDOMINAL ULTRASOUND examines organs including the liver, gallbladder, kidneys, spleen, pancreas, and blood vessels.

A RENAL ULTRASOUND examines the kidneys and bladder.

An ultrasound probe will be placed on the skin and pictures of the structures will be taken. You will be asked to change positions during the exam. Patients undergoing an abdominal ultrasound are often asked to have nothing to eat or drink for several hours before the study.

You will be draped with sheets and towels to preserve as much modesty and privacy as possible.

Thyroid Ultrasound:

A THYROID ULTRASOUND examines the thyroid gland, a small organ in the neck, and the
surrounding tissues.

Your neck will be examined while you are lying flat, commonly with a towel behind your neck to improve visualization. An ultrasound probe will be placed on the skin and pictures of the structures will be taken.

Scrotal Ultrasound:

A SCROTAL ULTRASOUND examines the contents of the scrotal sac including the testicles and the surrounding tissues.

An ultrasound probe will be placed on the skin and pictures of the structures will be taken.

You will be draped with sheets and towels to preserve as much modesty and privacy as possible.

Obstetrical Ultrasound:

An OBSTETRICAL ULTRASOUND is performed to assess the developing embryo or fetus and the surrounding structures of the mother.

Early in Pregnancy (First Trimester):

For an overall view of the embryo and maternal structures, an external approach is used. For a more detailed view, a narrow probe is gently inserted internally.

Later in Pregnancy (Second and Third Trimesters):

This study is done with an abdominal approach and probe to evaluate fetal anatomy, growth, and well being, as well as maternal structures. To evaluate structures such as the cervix or placenta an internal exam may be performed.

You will be draped with sheets and towels to preserve as much modesty and privacy as possible.