Explanation
An ultrasound is a machine which uses sound waves to produce pictures of the body. There is no radiation involved and is therefore very safe. Abdominal ultrasound is most often used to examine the solid organs in the upper abdomen like liver, kidneys, gallbladder, spleen, and pancreas. In addition we look at the blood vessels within the abdomen-aorta and inferior vena cava, as well as the blood vessels within the liver. Structures like the bowel which is often filled with air cannot be seen because air absorbs sound waves. Ultrasound examinations can help determine the causes of abdominal pain and abnormal blood tests related to the liver and kidney function.
All exams are performed by technologists(sonographers) and interpreted by the radiologist regardless of where they are performed. The types of ultrasound study we perform includes:
Abdomen, aorta | Breasts | Carotid arteries | Kidneys | Liver | Pelvis | First Trimester scan | Pelvis | Prostate | Thyroid | Breast | Scrotum | Shoulder | Leg veins | Baby hips, spine, abdomen and head
Preparation
You should be fasting for approximately six hours prior to your abdominal ultrasound-nothing. Brushing teeth and taking medications is fine for this exam.
Process
The exam requires that a small amount of gel be placed on your skin surface and a transducer is guided over the body part to capture the desired images. You may watch the progress of the exam on the TV monitor if we are examining your shoulder. When the examination is complete, the patient will wait in the room while the ultrasound images are reviewed by the radiologist.
Ultrasound imaging of the abdomen should be painless. There may be varying degrees of discomfort from pressure as the transducer is moved over the imaging area.
Results
A radiologist, who is a physician experienced in ultrasound and other radiology examinations, will analyze the images and send a signed report with images.
Services Available:
- High quality ultrasound scanning
- Doppler flow studies