Ultrasound uses sound waves to view your body internally to help diagnose if something is wrong or not working properly. It can help diagnose causes of pain, swelling and infection. A specialized transducer allows for these sound waves to be directed into the body over organs or structures of interest. The reflected sound waves are then converted by the transducer back into electrical impulses that are analyzed by a computer. The computer uses this information to construct an image or picture of the organ.
An abdominal ultrasound is used to assess the organs and structures within the abdomen. This includes the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, bile ducts, spleen, and abdominal aorta. Ultrasound may also be used to assess blood flow to abdominal organs to help assess for Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs), liver and renal function/disease.
PREPARATION:
Nothing to eat or drink after midnight or 6 hours prior to the study.
PREPARATION:
Drink 32oz. of water 2 hours before the study, and do not empty your bladder.
A Doppler vascular ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to obtain a medical image or picture of blood flow through various vessels in the body. Vascular ultrasound produces precise images and measurements of many blood vessels in the body. It is commonly used to image the carotid artery in the neck, or arteries and veins in legs and arms. It can detect diseased vessels and identify a wide variety of changing conditions, enabling your doctor to make a quick and accurate diagnosis.
To better examine the internal structures of your reproductive system, you may be referred for a pelvic/transvaginal ultrasound. This examination can be performed either externally or internally. Unlike a pelvic ultrasound, which involves placing the transducer on the outside of the pelvis, a transvaginal ultrasound requires the technician to insert a probe about 2 or 3 inches into the vaginal canal. These exams are generally painless and take approximately 30 minutes.
PREPARATION:
There is no preparation for a transvaginal exam. For a pelvic exam, drink 32oz. of water 2 hours before the study, and do not empty your bladder.
