What is an Ultrasound?
Diagnostic Ultrasound is the use of high-frequency sound waves to study the anatomy and function of the body. The sound waves can be used to produce images of various organs, to observe motion within organs, or to measure the flow of blood using a specialized method called Doppler Ultrasound.

How does Ultrasound work?
A small, hand-held device, called a transducer, is used to send sound waves into the body, and to receive returning signals. The information returning to the transducer is sent to a computer, which reconstructs cross-sectional images of the body – similar in concept to sonar or radar.

When is Ultrasound used?
Because Ultrasound is non-invasive, painless, and does not use ionizing radiation, it is an extremely valuable way to evaluate many parts of the body – including the pregnant uterus, pelvic organs, kidneys, gallbladder, liver, thyroid, breasts and testicles. Doppler Ultrasound is used to evaluate the heart, as well as blood vessels such as the carotid arteries and veins of the legs.

Preparing for an Ultrasound exam
There are different preparations for different kinds of exams.

Pregnancy, pelvic, and bladder sonogram: Start drinking five (5) 8oz.glasses of non-carbonated water or clear liquid 1 ½ hours before your appointment. (Finish drinking within one hour.) Do not empty your bladder until the exam is completed.

Abdomen, gallbladder, liver and kidney sonograms: No solid foods for eight (8) hours prior to your exam. You may have clear, non-carbonated liquids (including jello) and you may take your usual medications.

The Ultrasound examination
The procedure is painless. You will lie on a comfortable exam table, while the sonographer moves a transducer over your skin. A gel-like substance is applied to the skin, to allow the sound waves to pass through more easily. For some exams of the female pelvis it may be necessary to place a transducer into the vagina, but this is not uncomfortable for most women.

Why do some exams require me to have a full bladder?
A full bladder acts as a “window” in an otherwise solid “wall,” the abdomen/pelvis. This enables us to look through the window to what lies behind it, including the uterus and ovaries

How much training does a sonographer have?
Depending on whether you hold an allied health credential (rad.tech, registered nurse, etc.), or if you have a bachelor’s degree in science, you would study an additional one to four years. You would then qualify to take the board exams given by the American Registry of diagnostic Sonographers to earn your credential in one of three specialties—RDMS, RDCS, or RVT.

What is an echocardiogram?
Echocardiography is an Ultrasound exam of the heart which identifies abnormalities of the heart muscle, valves, and fluid around the heart.

A handheld transducer or probe (which looks like a microphone) is pressed against the chest wall in different positions. The transducer/probe generates harmless sound waves that produce a moving picture of the heart. The images are recorded on videotape and are later reviewed and evaluated by a cardiologist.

The procedure takes about 30-45 minutes and is performed by one of our experienced staff specially trained as an Ultrasonographer. The exam room is usually darkened to improve the visibility of the video monitor. Three electrodes will be applied to the patient’s chest. A small amount of gel will also be applied to the chest to improve the transmission of the sound waves.

When can my physician expect a copy of my report?
In most cases, reports are provided within two business days.

Left internal carotid artery shows normal blood flow.. Right internal carotid artery shows abnormal blood flow

THYROID ULTRASOUND performed on patient who presented with difficulty swallowing shows multiple solid nodules

This 50 year old female came in for a routine screening mammography with no palpable abnormalities. The mammogram was suspicious and an ultrasound was recommended. This ultrasound showed a malignan

PREGNANCY ULTRASOUND - Profile of the face of a 20 week old fetus.