Medical
Imaging - Ultrasound
Information for patients
The ultrasound division is a section of the radiology department
that uses ultrasound to take pictures inside the body.
Sometimes an ultrasound is used to show the inside of the
body so a radiologist can perform an intervention or procedure.
All ultrasounds are performed by board-certified sonographers
and are interpreted by fellowship-trained, board-certified
radiologists who specialize in this field.
• About
ultrasound and types of scans
• Frequently asked questions
• Biopsy
Ultrasound
Facts and Types of Exams
How
it works
Ultrasound
uses high frequency sound waves (like a radar) to create
images of the inside of the body. It is completely
safe
for pregnant women and for children. Pictures are obtained
by placing an ultrasound transducer (a microphone)
against the body.
A small amount of gel is placed on the skin. The exam is
painless.
Types
of exams
• Abdominal
Ultrasound assesses the gallbladder,
liver, spleen, pancreas and kidneys.
• Pelvic
Ultrasound can
evaluate a woman's uterus and ovaries. Frequently, an endovaginal
study is performed in which
a special transducer with a sterile cover is inserted into the
vagina by the patient. This provides very high resolution images
of the uterus and ovaries. In men, pelvic ultrasound can evaluate
the prostate. This requires a special endorectal transducer that
is inserted into the rectum.
• Thyroid
Ultrasound assesses
the size of the thyroid gland and looks for thyroid nodules.
No special preparation is
needed for this exam.
• Fetal
Ultrasound is
most commonly used to evaluate the size and age of a fetus
as well as assess its growth during pregnancy.
• Vascular
Ultrasound can
be used to assess the arteries and veins. Doppler and color
flow ultrasound is used in addition
to standard ultrasound imaging. Ultrasound can be used to evaluate
for blood clots, most commonly in the leg veins, and for narrowing
of the arteries, most commonly the carotid arteries in the neck.
It is also used to evaluate blood vessels in the abdomen. No
special preparation is needed for this exam.
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Frequently Asked Questions
• Why
do I have to fast for an abdominal ultrasound?
Fasting reduces the amount of air in the stomach and intestines,
which can interfere with visualization of the abdominal organs.
It also ensures that the gallbladder will be distended so it
can be thoroughly evaluated.
• Why
do I have to have a full bladder for a pelvic ultrasound?
A distended bladder acts as a "window" through which
the sound waves travel and allows the sonographer to visualize
the pelvic organs. A distended bladder also displaces the bowel,
which can prevent visualization of the pelvic organs.
• Does
a breast ultrasound show more than a mammogram?
Mammography is still the best way to image the entire breast.
Ultrasound is used to target certain areas in question on the
mammogram, as well as lumps and painful areas that the patient
or physician is concerned about.
• How
and when will I get the results of the exam?
After the scan is finished, one of our board-certified radiologists
will interpret the study and send a report to your doctor within
24 hours.
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Biopsy Procedures
• What
is an ultrasound guided procedure?
An ultrasound guided procedure may consist of a biopsy, in
which a small sample of tissue from inside your body is obtained
using
the ultrasound machine for guidance. This technique will often
save you from having to have an operation to get the same piece
of tissue.
• Why
is this being done?
A biopsy is performed because a previous radiology test showed
an abnormality. It is not clear what the abnormal tissue is,
and a small sample of tissue is required to find out.
• Does
it hurt?
We use local anesthesia (like Novocaine at the dentist) for
all biopsies. In certain situations we will administer sedation
to make you sleepy during the test. You will not be completely
asleep for this test.
• How
long does a procedure take?
The actual procedure is approximately one hour. Qualified nurses
will observe you in our recovery area for approximately three
hours after the procedure.
• How
will I get the results of the ultrasound procedure?
The specimen obtained from the procedure will be delivered to
pathology where specialized doctors will look at the tissue
under a microscope. They will send the results to your doctor in approximately
three to five days.
For
more information about general radiology at Columbia Memorial
Hospital, call 518.828.8228
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