Ultrasound

Ultrasound uses low energy sound waves to create images on a monitor.

There is no radiation, and ultrasound has no side effects.

Ultrasound is used to…

view the fetus in a pregnant woman
evaluate other areas in the body such as gallbladder, liver, thyroid, kidneys and blood vessels
give needle guidance for tests such as a biopsy and amniocentesis

What will happen

An ultrasound procedure typically lasts 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the type of information requested by your health care provider. You may be asked to fill out a questionnaire. The information will help the radiologist when he or she reviews the ultrasound images.

To capture the images, the sonographer will move a wand (called a transducer) over the area requested by your health care provider. To make sure there is good contact, warm gel will be placed on your skin and spread by the wand. You will be asked to relax and breathe normally during this time. When the exam is done, the gel will be removed.

Vaginal ultrasound is often done with pelvic and OB exams. Vaginal ultrasound allows the pelvic organs to be seen from an internal point of view for added detail.

Before the exam

For a pelvic or fetal ultrasound

Drink four to six 8-ounce glasses of water to be completed 1 hour before your appointment.
Eat and take any medicine as usual.
Do not urinate until after the exam.

For a kidney ultrasound

Drink one glass of water 1 hour before your appointment.
Eat and take any medicine as usual (unless your health care provider gives you other instructions).
Do not urinate until after the exam.

For abdominal ultrasound (liver, gallbladder, pancreas, aorta)

Do not eat or drink anything after midnight. Do not chew gum or smoke.
Take needed medicine with a small sip of water.

For other ultrasound procedures not involving the abdomen (vascular, thyroid, etc.)

There are no restrictions on eating, drinking or taking medicines.

For all ultrasounds

Bring your insurance information, previous X-rays or any information requested by your health care provider.
Wear comfortable clothes. You may be asked to wear a gown for the exam. If you are scheduled for a vaginal ultrasound, you will be asked to remove your clothes from the waist down.

After the exam

A radiologist will interpret your ultrasound images and give the results to your health care provider within two or three days.

Your health care provider will call you about the ultrasound results.