Ultrasound

Examination of the body with ultrasound. There is no radiation involved. No dye or intravenous contrast media is required. There are no known biological effects.

Similar to sonar, sound waves are transmitted into the body with a transducer that can send and receive sound signals. When the sound waves are received a picture is formed by the computer using the information.

Ultrasound can be used in examining the abdominal organs (liver, kidneys, gallbladder, pancreas, etc.) but the study may be compromised by gas in the patient's intestines and by large body size. The pelvic areas (uterus, ovaries, vagina, fetus, etc.) can be visualized by filling the patient’s bladder with fluid.

Examination of the blood vessels in the neck and of the abdominal aorta are possible with ultrasound. Masses of the thyroid gland, testes, breast or any other soft tissue body part can be examined with ultrasound and a determination as to their cystic or solid nature can be made. This section will explain the various ultrasound tests and the preparation when required.

ULTRASOUND OF THE ABDOMEN

Examination of the abdomen with ultrasound includes imaging the following organs:

Examination of these organs may be ordered individually by organ name or may be ordered as an ultrasound of the abdomen with special reference to a particular organ.

Examination Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Precautions: None.

Patient Instructions: Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your examination. Take one Mylicon Tablet the morning of the exam. Please avoid gum chewing or smoking the morning of the exam.

ULTRASOUND OF THE PELVIS

Ultrasound examination of the pelvis is used in examining the bladder, vagina, uterus, ovaries and adnexal areas. It will in most cases identify tumors of the bladder and uterus, ovarian masses and the presence of an abnormality in the adnexal areas such as pelvic kidney.

It may also be used to examine the male pelvis, bladder and prostate for tumor or enlargement.

Examination Time: 30 to 45 minutes.

Precautions: None.

Patient Instructions: One hour prior to the examination the patient should drink a minimum of 32 ounces of liquid (water or tea) to fill their bladder. Tell the patient not to urinate before their examination. Have them avoid carbonated beverages.

**NOTE: if the patient does not report with a full bladder, it may be necessary to reschedule or delay their examination.

ULTRASOUND FOR FETAL AGE

Ultrasound examination for Fetal Age was a major breakthrough in the examination of the pregnant uterus. Abnormal pregnancy such as multiple gestations, missed abortions, ectopic pregnancy and blighted ovum can be detected within the first trimester.

Prior to the advent of ultrasound there was no safe, non-invasive means of examining the unborn fetus. With ultrasound, we are now able to determine the gestational age and development of the fetus as well as tell how it is surviving in its uterine environment. It can in many cases warn of a possible problem at delivery, such as placenta previa, footling breech and obstructed birth canal.

Examination Time: 30 to 45 minutes.

Precautions: None.

Patient Instructions: One hour prior to the examination the patient should drink a minimum of 32 ounces of liquid (water or tea) to fill their bladder. Tell the patient not to urinate before their examination. Have them avoid carbonated beverages.

**NOTE: if the patient does not report with a full bladder, it may be necessary to reschedule or delay their examination.

HYSTEROSONOGRAPHY

Hystersonography is performed to evaluate the endometrial lining in the uterus. This study will check for the presence of polyps, fibroid tumors, dsysplasia or endometrial CA.

- Patients between ages of 40-50 can be done after any bleeding has stopped.

- Patients over the age of 50 can be done anytime, as long as they are not bleeding.

- Patients on birth control pills can be done anytime as long as they are not bleeding. Patients under the ageof 40 and not on birth control pills must be done during their first 7-14 days of their cycle after bleeding has stopped.

This procedure cannot be done if patient is bleeding.

Examination Time: 1 hour to 90 minutes.

Precautions: see above.

Patient Instructions: One hour prior to the examination the patient should drink a minimum of 32 ounces of liquid (water or tea) to fill their bladder. Tell the patient not to urinate before their examination. Have them avoid carbonated beverages.

*Note: Suggest patient take 600 mg Ibuprofen 1 hour prior to examination.

SMALL PARTS ULTRASOUND

THYROID, TESTICULAR, SOFT TISSUE MASSES (LIPOMAS, ETC.)

Examination of masses located on the surface of the body can be best evaluated with ultrasound. Enlargement of the thyroid gland, testicular tumors or lipomas can be easily seen with a small parts transducer (device which sends and receives sound waves).

Examination Time: 20 minutes.

Precautions: None.

Patient Instructions: None.

BREAST ULTRASOUND -- See Breast Imaging

ARTERIAL DOPPLER WITH SEGMENTAL PRESSURES

Arterial Doppler with Segmental Pressures is a valuable tool for accessing the blood supply to the lower extremeties in patients who have claudication. Claudication is reproducible pain or cramping with exercise that is relieved with rest.

Doppler waveforms are obtained and blood pressures at different levels of the legs are measured and compared to the blood pressure in the arm.

Examination Time: 1 hour to 90 minutes.

Precautions: None.

Patient Instructions: There is no patient preparation for the exam, but a brief history from the doctor's office is most helpful.

CAROTID DOPPLER AND PERIPHERAL VASCULAR DOPPLER

Peripheral Vascular and Carotid Doppler are used to examine disease inside the lumen of the blood vessels. Not only are images made of the vessels themselves, but blood flow direction as well as speed can be detected and measured.

Examination Time: 1 hour to 90 minutes.

Precautions: None.

Patient Instructions: There is no patient preparation for the exam, but a brief history from the doctor's office is most helpful.

 

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