What is Ultrasound?

Ultrasound is a non-invasive way to study many of the organs of the body. Ultrasound is high frequency sound waves, which penetrate the body and bounce off the internal structures, giving an electronically produced picture on a screen. There is no radiation involved. Studies to date show that this type of examination has no known harmful effects.

Abdominal Ultrasound is done to study the upper half of the abdomen. Structures shown are the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, aorta, spleen and many vessels.

1. You must not consume any fatty or greasy foods or dairy products beginning the evening before the examination.
2. The day of the examination, you should consume nothing except sips of clear, non-carbonated fluids until the study is completed.
3. Please do not chew gum, gulp fluids, etc., to avoid gas build-up.

Procedure

You will be asked to disrobe and put on a gown. The technologist will ask you to lie on a table and he or she will apply a gel to your skin. This will ensure that the transducer (the probe that emits the high frequency sound waves) has good contact for sound transmission. This transducer will be placed on your skin and will be moved over your abdominal area as the technologist records on film the various structures in your abdomen. You should experience no pain or discomfort from this examination.

Post Exam

The radiologist will review your examination before you leave to make sure adequate images have been obtained. He will then interpret the images and send a written report to your doctor. Your doctor will discuss the results with you.