| ULTRASOUND
Ultrasound offers a real-time look into your different parts of your body, such as organs, tissues, and vessels. It’s also used to guide other medical procedures such as our VenaCure laser treatment to eliminate varicose veins. At Imaging Associates of Providence, you’ll find friendly, experienced sonographers and the amazing new 3D/4D technology for unsurpassed diagnostic accuracy.
How does ultrasound work?
Ultrasound, also called sonography, is a method of
forming images using sound. It uses high-frequency sound waves to
produce images of structures within the body (organs, tissues and
blood flow) in real time. Ultrasound imaging is based on the same
principles involved in sonar used by bats, whales, ships and fish
finders. As sound bounces off an object, the echoing waves can be
used to identify the distance to the object, its size and shape
and its internal consistency.
Advantages of ultrasound:
1. There is no ionizing radiation (x-rays) involved
in ultrasound imaging.
2. Visualization of body structures is in real-time — the
sonographer can scan and view the structures at the same time. This
real-time ability makes it possible to view moving structures, access
blood flow and evaluate structures at that precise moment.
How do I prepare for my ultrasound?
For many exams no preparation is needed. However,
if your abdomen is being evaluated, you may be instructed not to
eat or drink for 4 to 8 hours before your exam. For pelvic and 1st trimester
OB exams, you’ll be asked to drink several glasses (32 oz.)
of water 1 hour before your exam and avoid urinating so that your bladder is full during
the exam. For renal exams, plan on drinking 20 oz. of water, finish
it 1 hour before your exam, and do not urinate. For any ultrasound
exam, you should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing, and you
may be asked to change into a robe or gown.
What should I expect during my ultrasound?
At Imaging Associates, a friendly, highly skilled
registered diagnostic medical sonographer — trained and registered
in several specialty fields — will perform your ultrasound.
The sonographer will help you position yourself comfortably
on an exam bed, and then apply warm clear gel to your skin in the
area to be examined. (The gel is used as a coupling agent between
the transducer and your body because ultrasound waves travel poorly
through air.) The sonographer will move a wand shaped device called
a transducer back and forth over your skin to get the visual readings
needed. You get to just relax during the exam, which should be completely
painless.
How do I get the results?
When the exam is finished, the images will be evaluated
by one of our radiologists and a preliminary report will be faxed
to your doctor. Within 24 hours, we’ll send the official written
report to your doctor, who can then discuss the results with you
in detail.
Who do I call with questions?
Questions about the results of your exam should be directed to your primary healthcare provider. For any other questions or concerns, please feel free to call us directly. (Find our numbers here.)
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