Ultrasound Overview

The ultrasound units at Concord Imaging 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, breast, and heart disease.

* Abdominal Ultrasound:
An abdominal ultrasound can include examination of the liver, gallbladder, biliary ducts, spleen, pancreas, kidneys and aorta.

* 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 preparation associated with miscellaneous ultrasounds.

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Procedure: 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 padded 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 to 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.

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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 preparation.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your exam or preparation instructions, please call the Radiology department @ 230-7274.

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Afterwards

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.

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