Ultrasound imaging, also called ultrasound scanning or sonography, is a method of obtaining images from inside the human body through the use of high-frequency sound waves. The reflected sound wave echoes are recorded and displayed as a real-time visual image. No ionizing radiation (x-ray) is involved in ultrasound imaging. Obstetric ultrasound refers to the specialized use of sound waves to visualize and thus determine the condition of a pregnant woman and her embryo or fetus. *
Ultrasound is a useful way of examining many of the body's internal organs, including but not limited to the heart, liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, kidneys and bladder. Because ultrasound images are captured in real time, they can show movement of internal tissues and organs and enable physicians to see blood flow and heart valve functions. This can help to diagnose a variety of heart conditions and to assess damage after a heart attack or other illness. *
Preparing for a Ultrasound Procedure
You should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for your ultrasound exam. Other preparation depends on the type of examination you will have. For some scans your doctor may instruct you not to eat or drink for as many as 12 hours before your appointment. For others you may be asked to drink up to six glasses of water two hours prior to your exam and avoid urinating so that your bladder is full when the scan begins. *
Appointments
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Ultrasound Procedure
The patient is usually positioned on an examination table. A clear gel is applied to the patient's body in the area to be examined to help the transducer make secure contact with the skin. The sound waves produced by the transducer cannot penetrate air so the gel helps eliminate air pockets between the transducer and the skin. The technologist or radiologist presses the transducer firmly against the skin and sweeps it back and forth to image the area of interest. *
When the examination is complete the patient may be asked to dress and wait while the ultrasound images are reviewed either on film or on a TV monitor. Often though, the technologist or radiologist is able to review the ultrasound images in real time as they are acquired and the patient can be released immediately. *
Most ultrasound examinations are painless, fast and easy. You will lie on your back on an examining table. The technologist or doctor will spread some warm gel on your skin and then press the transducer firmly against your body, moving it until the desired images are captured. There may be varying degrees of discomfort from pressure as the technologist guides the transducer over your abdomen, especially if you are required to have a full bladder. The examination usually takes less than 30 minutes. *
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