Ultrasound

What is an ultrasound?

Ultrasound (also called sonography or ultrasonography) is a noninvasive imaging test. An ultrasound picture is called a sonogram. Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create real-time pictures or video of internal organs or other soft tissues, such as blood vessels.

Ultrasound enables ultrasound technologists to “see” details of soft tissues inside your body without making any incisions (cuts). And unlike X-rays, ultrasound doesn’t use radiation.

Although most people associate ultrasound with pregnancy, healthcare providers use ultrasound for many different situations and to look at several different parts of the inside of your body.

How does an ultrasound work?

During an ultrasound, the ultrasound technologist uses a transducer or probe to examine the area of interest. This may include an enodcavity exam. The ultrasound technologist applies a thin layer of gel to your skin so that the ultrasound waves are transmitted from the transducer through the gel and into your body.

The probe converts electrical current into high-frequency sound waves and sends the waves into your body’s tissue. You can’t hear the sound waves.

Sound waves bounce off structures inside your body and back to the probe, which converts the waves into electrical signals. A computer then converts the pattern of electrical signals into real-time images or videos, which are displayed on a computer screen nearby.

What are the different kinds of ultrasounds?

There are three main categories of ultrasound imaging, including:
• Pregnancy ultrasound (prenatal ultrasound).
• Diagnostic ultrasound.
• Ultrasound guidance for procedures.

How do I prepare for an ultrasound?

The preparations will depend on the type of ultrasound you’re having. Some types of ultrasounds require no preparation at all.

For ultrasounds of the pelvis, including ultrasounds during pregnancy, of the female reproductive system and of the urinary system, you will need to fill your bladder by drinking water prior to the exam.

For ultrasounds of the abdomen, you may need to adjust your diet or fast (nothing to eat or drink) for several hours before your test. Our Scheduler will let you know if you need to do anything special to prepare for your ultrasound.

What happens during an ultrasound?

Preparation for an ultrasound varies depending on what body part you’ll have scanned. Your ultrasound technologist may ask you to remove certain pieces of clothes or change into a hospital gown.

Ultrasounds that involve applying the transducer (probe) over your skin (not in your body), follow these general steps:
1. You’ll lie on your side or back on a comfortable table.
2. The ultrasound technologist will apply a small amount of water-soluble gel on your skin over the area to be examined. This gel doesn’t harm your skin or stain your clothes.
3. The technologist will move a handheld transducer or probe over the gel to get images inside your body.
4. The technologist may ask you to be very still or to hold your breath for a few seconds to create clearer pictures.
5. Once the technologist has gotten enough images, they’ll wipe off any remaining gel on your skin and you’ll be done.

An ultrasound test usually takes 30 minutes to an hour. If you have any questions about your specific type of ultrasound, ask your healthcare provider.