Ultrasound Information

What is an Ultrasound?
Ultrasound, also called sonography, is a method of imaging the body using sound waves. Ultrasound bounces sound waves off tissue inside the body and reveals what is there, since different tissue reflects sound differently. The ultrasound computer uses this information to produce images of the body.

Forms:

Patient Info Form

Common Uses of this Procedure
Ultrasound is an excellent tool in several diagnostic situations, including: examining the fetus during pregnancy, visualizing certain gynecological functions in non-pregnant women, revealing information about tumors and cysts, evaluating the gallbladder and related organs, and for noninvasive evaluation of vascular disease.

Ultrasound Tests and Applications:

Abdominal (Transabdominal sonography):
To look for causes of upper abdominal pain which may be related to problems in the liver, gallbladder, pancreas or kidneys.

To detect gallstones
To evaluate the kidney
To look for enlargements (aneurysms) and other abnormalities of abdominal blood vessels

Gynecologic (Pelvic or transvaginal ultrasound):

Monitoring of ovarian follicles in infertility patients
Localization of nonvisualized ovaries by transabdominal sonography, especially obese and post-menopausal patients
To help characterize adnexal masses as cystic, solid or complex
To identify size and location of uterine fibroids
Localization of intrauterine device
Identification of ovarian or uterine metastasis
Helps to characterize pelvic masses

Obstetrical (OB):

Patients with a clinical question of ectopic pregnancy
Evaluation of blighted ovum
Confirmation of suspected early intrauterine pregnancy
Early diagnosis of complications in pregnancy
To add further definition of suspected fetal abnormalities

Carotid Doppler (Carotid Doppler / D.V. Thrombosis):

Carotid artery disease
Carotid occlusions
Lower Extremity Vascular Thrombosis
Lower Extremity Vascular Masses

Small Parts/Extremities (30 min.):

Testicular
Thyroid

How Does it Work?
Because the body contains over 90% water, sound waves can be used in some parts of the body just as sonar is used in the ocean. Each time the sound hits a tissue interface, like a blood vessel, an echo is sent back. Sophisticated, high-speed computers can use these echoes to create a picture of your internal organs. This results in a very detailed examination which aids the physician in his or her diagnosis.

In addition, at MDI, some information is displayed using color-Doppler images and includes accurate blood flow measurements. This is called color-flow Doppler.

An ultrasound examination is fast, with very little discomfort. No radiation or x-rays are used in the process.

During the exam you will be asked to lie down on a padded table and a warm gel will be spread on your skin above the area which is being examined. The technologist will move a device called a "transducer" slowly over your skin which has the gel on it, and an image will appear on a video screen. Pictures of this image will be made for permanent reference. You may be asked to hold your breath or assume different positions on the table. It is important that you remain as still as possible. Depending on the exam that was ordered, you may be a bit uncomfortable from the fullness of your bladder. For some pelvic examinations it is necessary to put a special type of transducer into the vagina.

Benefits of Ultrasounds:

Examining the fetus during pregnancy.

Visualizing abnormalities of the ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus.

Revealing information about the shape and texture of tumors and cysts.

Evaluating the gallbladder and related structures.

Some gallstones and kidney stones may be seen only with ultrasound.

Noninvasive evaluation of vascular disease.

Visualizing the flow of blood through the body (color-Doppler).

Patient Comfort
An ultrasound test uses no radiation or x-rays, and is completely noninvasive. Having an ultrasound examination is fast, with very little discomfort. Depending on the exam that was ordered, the patient may experience some discomfort due to the fullness of the bladder.

For some pelvic examinations, it is necessary to insert a special type of transducer into the vagina. It is smaller than the instrument used in a routine pap smear exam.

Preparation Required
The patient should share pertinent history or diagnosis when scheduling the exam. The length of the exam varies with the type of ultrasound exam you are having. Please check with us for the estimated time required in your case.

After the Test
The patient can resume normal activities.

Results of the Test
At MDI, we have a radiologist available at all times so the test will be interpreted promptly. The results will be phoned, faxed or mailed to the referring physician. He/she will share the results with the patient.

How to Schedule an Appointment
To schedule an ultrasound with Modern Diagnostic Imaging, please call us at (480) 445 - 9961. [Click here for directions]

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