Jewelry, watches, glasses and even clothing may need to be removed before the exam, requiring the patient to change into a hospital dressing gown. Patients will be asked to lie on an examination table, where a special type of gel will be applied to keep sound-blocking air pockets from forming. Once prepared, a trained technician called a sonographer will press a device called a transducer against the skin where the test is being performed to capture the image. The transducer emits a high-frequency sound (one that is inaudible to human ears) to send sound waves into the body that collect information by determining the size, shape and consistency of organs and soft tissues. This information is sent back to a computer that processes and forms the images. On average, ultrasounds can take anywhere from 30 minutes to up to an hour. The radiologist and doctor will interpret the images in order to help diagnose and treat potential conditions. Once complete, normal activity can be resumed.
How do I prepare for my ultrasound?
Being a simple procedure, ultrasounds require little to no preparation, with only a few exceptions:
For gallbladder exams, a doctor may require the patient not to ingest food or drink before the procedure.
For pelvic exams, a full bladder may be required for testing, so a doctor may ask the patient to drink up to six full glasses of water two hours before the exam without urinating.
How do I get an electronic copy of my results?
Please visit our patient portal to access your reports and images, click here.