Ultrasound is a diagnostic tool that uses a transducer, or probe, to generate sound waves and computer technology to produce pictures of internal structures. It does not use ionizing radiation, has no known harmful effects, and provides a clear picture of soft tissues that don’t show up well on x-ray images. Ultrasound is often used to help diagnose unexplained pain, swelling and infection. It may also be used to provide imaging guidance to needle biopsies or to see and evaluate conditions related to blood flow. It’s also the preferred imaging method for monitoring a pregnant woman and her unborn child.

Ultrasound (also known as sonography) is a diagnostic imaging tool that uses a transducer to generate sound waves and computer technology to see inside the body. It can provide clear images of soft tissues that don’t show up well on x-rays. Ultrasound does not use ionizing radiation and has no known harmful effects. It can be used to evaluate the heart (echocardiography), abdominal organs, extremities, and breasts. It may also be used to guide needle biopsies. One of the most common ultrasound procedures is the examination of the fetus within the mother’s womb.

Abdomen (Aorta AAA, RUQ, gallbladder, liver, pancreas or spleen)

Do NOT have anything to eat or drink after midnight the evening before your examination. If you must take medication that cannot be delayed until the examination is over (usually about mid-morning), take it with a tiny sip of water. If you are a diabetic and cannot fast, please let us know in advance of your examination.

Anal – Sphincter

Purchase a Fleet enema from your local pharmacy. The enema must be completed three hours prior to your study.

Appendix

No preparation required.

Bladder (Pre/Post Voiding)

Empty your bladder 1 ½ hours prior to the procedure. Over the next 30 minutes, you must drink 32 ounces of water. We recommend you have something to eat. Maintain a full bladder

Breast

No preparation required.

Celiac Artery

• Do NOT have anything to eat or drink after midnight the evening before your examination. If you must take medication that cannot be delayed until the examination is over (usually about mid-morning), take it with a tiny sip of water. If you are a diabetic and cannot fast, please let us know in advance of your examination.
• This test involves drinking a dairy product; if you have a history of dairy intolerance, please bring your own tolerable dairy product (six ounces) to the appointment. For Infants – skip the last feeding and bring an empty bottle or sippy cup to the appointment.

Extremity

No preparation required.

Fetal (up to 35 weeks)

Empty your bladder 1 ½ hours prior to the procedure. Over the next 30 minutes, you must drink 32 ounces of water. We recommend you have something to eat. Maintain a full bladder.

Fetal (36 weeks or more)

No preparation is required.

Hips (for infant)

Please arrive ½ hour prior to procedure so baby can be fed. Please bring a bottle or mother may breastfeed baby in a private dressing room.

Mesentery Artery

• Do NOT have anything to eat or drink after midnight the evening before your examination. If you must take medication that cannot be delayed until the examination is over (usually about mid-morning), take it with a tiny sip of water. If you are a diabetic and cannot fast, please let us know in advance of your examination.
• This test involves drinking a dairy product; if you have a history of dairy intolerance, please bring your own tolerable dairy product (six ounces) to the appointment.
• For Infants – skip the last feeding and bring an empty bottle or sippy cup to the appointment.

Pelvis (Pelvic, RLQ / LLQ)

Empty your bladder 1 ½ hours prior to the procedure. Over the next 30 minutes, drink 32 ounces of water. We recommend you have something to eat. Maintain a full bladder.

Prostate (for size and volume only)

Empty your bladder 1 ½ hours prior to the procedure. Over the next 30 minutes, drink 32 ounces of water. We recommend you have something to eat. Maintain a full bladder.

Pyloric Stenosis

Please skip baby’s last feeding. Bring a baby bottle of fluid, preferably water, although breastfeeding moms may bring a bottle of breast milk.

Renal (kidney)

No preparation required.

Renal if ordered with bladder

Empty your bladder 1 ½ hours prior to the procedure. Over the next 30 minutes, drink 32 ounces of water. We recommend you have something to eat. Maintain a full bladder.

Scrotum (Testicular)

No preparation required.

Thyroid/Parathyroid

No preparation required.

Transvaginal (TV) only

No preparation required

All of our centers are fully accredited by the American College of Radiology.