Ultrasound
The Ultrasound units at CIC represent some of the most advanced technology in ultrasound imaging. Our technology provides clear images so Radiologists can make diagnoses rapidly and with greater confidence.
There are many advantages to imaging the body with ultrasound. Most importantly, there is no ionizing radiation as with X-rays – which is why ultrasound is used during pregnancy. Furthermore, soft tissues, such as the liver, spleen, kidneys and pancreas can be imaged directly without the injection of any sort of radio-opaque substances (x-ray dye or contrast) to make them visible.
First introduced to the medical world in the 1960s, ultrasound has quickly become one of the most widely used diagnostic imaging modalities.
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Ultrasound Details
What is Ultrasound?
An ultrasound is a non-radiation imaging technique used to help see inside the body. It is especially helpful in the areas of obstetric/gynecological (OB/GYN), abdominal, and heart disease.
* Abdominal Ultrasound:
An abdominal ultrasound can include examination of the aorta, gallbladder/biliary tract, common bile duct, kidneys, liver, pancreas and spleen.
* OB/GYN Ultrasound:
This type of exam may be done for pregnancy diagnosis, amniocentesis, ectopic pregnancy, fetal age determination, placenta localization, IUD localization, pelvic examination, and urinary bladder examination.
* Miscellaneous Ultrasounds:
Miscellaneous ultrasounds may be done for breasts, testes, chest, parathyroid, thyroid, pylorus (stomach) and neonatal (abdomen or kidneys). Generally, there is no prep associated with miscellaneous ultrasounds
What you can expect During the Exam
The technologist will bring you to the exam room where the procedure will be explained to you. If you are have a biopsy during your ultrasound, you will be asked to sign a permission (consent) form.
You will be instructed to lie on the ultrasound bed for the exam. The technologist will apply a special gel to your skin and/or to the imaging instrument. This gel is essential to the imaging process. You will be given a towel to clean the gel from your skin when the exam is completed.
Women: For certain OB/GYN exams, your physician or the Radiologist may request a trans-vaginal ultrasound. During this exam you will be asked place a special instrument as you would place a tampon. The Radiologist or technologist performing the exam will then obtain the required images.
You may experience some discomfort as the instrument is moved. Any pain should be mentioned immediately to the Radiologist or technologist.
Preparation
Instructions specific to your exam will be provided to you from your doctor, or the scheduling department at Concord Hospital (guidelines are listed below). Be sure to follow all instructions carefully to ensure a quality exam. Failure to do so may result in a poor quality exam and/or a delay in performing your exam. Many of the miscellaneous ultrasounds require no prep. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your exam or preparation instructions, please call the Radiology department @ 230-7274.
| Procedure |
Prep |
| Abdomen (liver, gallbladder, spleen, aorta) |
Nothing by mouth 8 hours. |
| Abdomen & Pelvis |
Nothing by mouth after midnight. Drink 32oz of water prior to test. |
| Kidneys |
Nothing by mouth 4 hours (unless specified). |
| Pelvis |
Drink 32oz non carbonated liquid 1 hour prior. |
| Bladder |
Drink 32oz non carbonated liquid 1 hour prior. |
| Obstecrical (OB, pregnancy) < 12 weeks - 1st trimester |
Drink 32oz non carbonated liquid 1 hour prior to test. |
| Obstecrical (OB, pregnancy) > 12 weeks - 2nd & 3rd trimester |
Drink 24oz non carbonated liquid 1 hour prior to test. |
| Biophysical Profile |
Drink 20oz non carbonated liquid 1 hour prior to test. |
| Scrotal (Testicular) |
No Prep. |
| Spine |
No Prep. |
| Thyroid |
No Prep. |
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After the Exam
The Radiologist, a physician specially trained to interpret ultrasound, will study your test and provide your doctor with a detailed report. Your physician will then discuss the results with you and explain what they mean relative to your health.
Download our Ultrasound Details document
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What is Breast Ultrasound?
Breast ultrasound does not use x-rays to create diagnostic images of the breast. Instead, this procedure uses reflected sound waves to view and produce pictures of the internal structures of the breast. A breast ultrasound can show all areas of the breast, including the area closest to the chest wall, which can be hard to study with a mammogram.
A breast ultrasound is used to determine whether a breast lump is filled with fluid (a cyst) or a solid structure. An ultrasound generally does not replace the need for a mammogram; however, it is often used in conjunction to further evaluate a questionable area seen on a mammogram.
For a breast ultrasound, a small handheld instrument called a transducer or probe is passed across the breast. It transmits imperceprible sound waves that are reflected back to the transducer. A detector analyzes the sound waves and converts them into a picture.
Wear an outfit that makes it easy to undress above the waist such as a two-piece outfit.
What you can expect During the Exam
Your breast ultrasound will be performed by a trained sonographer. You may be asked to change into a gown for the procedure. Remove all jewelry from around your neck.
A special gel will be applied to your breast to improve the transmission of the sound waves. The transducer is pressed against your breast and moved back and forth.
The test usually takes between 15 and 30 minutes but can sometimes take longer. A Radiologist will come in to take additional pictures.
Afterwards
Your exam will be carefully reviewed by a radiologist, a physician specially trained to interpret breast ultrasound. He will provide your doctor with a detailed report. Your doctor will discuss these results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health.
Download our Breast Ultrasound document
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