Ultrasound

Ultrasonography uses high-frequency sound waves that bounce off of body parts to obtain images. The reflecting “echoes” are recorded and visualized as real-time images, such as the heart beating. A small amount of gel is placed on the body part that helps carry sound waves, and the ultrasonographer uses a transducer (a probed device) to move over your skin. This transducer passes sound waves through the body and captures the “echoes.” Images can be seen on a television monitor, and the ultrasonographer will record or videotape these images for the radiologist. The length of time for an ultrasound procedure can range from 15 minutes to 1 hour, depending upon what area of the body is being recorded.

A Doppler ultrasound may be part of your ultrasound procedure. This is a special technique that evaluates blood as it flows through a blood vessel, including the body’s major arteries and veins in the abdomen, arms, legs, and neck. Color Doppler uses a computer to display the measurements into an array of colors to visualize the speed and direction of blood flow through a blood vessel.

Ultrasound procedures are non-invasive (no needles or injections), are painless and do not cause side effects.

Diagnostic Imaging of Milford performs all types of ultrasound procedures:

Heart Abdomen Scrotum Breast

Carotid Extremities Renal/Aorta Thyroid/Parathyroid

Pelvic/Transvaginal Pregnancy/OB Arterial Studies Venous Studies

PREPARATION:

	Wear loose, comfortable clothing, preferably without zippers, clasps or metal buttons. If this is not feasible, you will be asked to change into an examining gown.
	Depending upon the type of ultrasound procedure you are having, you may be asked not to eat or drink for as many as 12 hours before the examination. You may also be asked to drink up to 6 glasses of water 2 hours prior to the scan and not to urinate so your bladder is full when the scan begins.

*It is important to inform our office if you have had previous Ultrasounds at another facility in order for our radiologist to compare these procedures. You may be asked to bring these films with you.*