Ultrasound Services

This type of ultrasound is usually used to visualize tissue in the stomach, intestines or digestive organs. These are generally painless procedures. If you experience any pain during the exam, just let your sonographer know. 

What to Expect 

• This exam takes roughly thirty minutes. 
• You may be asked to change clothes and wear a gown for your exam. If you wear loose clothing with no metal objects, however, you may be able to stay in your clothes.
• After the exam, you may resume your normal diet and activities.
• For most ultrasound exams, you are normally asked to lie down on a comfortable exam table where the area to be examined is exposed while the rest of the body is covered.
• After you are positioned on the table, our certified sonographer will apply a warm water-based gel to the area being studied. The sonographer will use a small handheld device called a transducer, which is approximately the size of a bar of soap to complete the exam.
• The sonographer places the transducer on the body and gently moves it back and forth over the area of interest until the desired images are captured.
• There is usually no discomfort during the exam when the transducer is pressed against the area being examined.
• Once the imaging is complete, the water-based gel will be wiped off your skin. The ultrasound gel does not stain or discolor clothing.

How to Prepare for an Abdomen Ultrasound 

• You should fast for at least four (4) hours prior to the exam. This means having nothing to eat or drink after midnight before the exam is scheduled. 
• If you are on prescription medication, you should continue taking as directed with a small glass of water.
• For studies involving the liver, gallbladder, spleen and pancreas, eat an early low-fat dinner on the night before your exam and have nothing to eat or drink for eight to 12 hours prior to your exam. The gallbladder, in particular, contracts when food is digesting, so it is very important to follow these directions so the entire gallbladder can be visualized.

What to Expect 

• This exam takes roughly 30 minutes. It may take longer if your bladder is not full.
• This is a relatively painless procedure.
• You may be asked to change clothes and wear a gown for your exam. If you wear loose clothing with no metal objects, however, you may be able to stay in your clothes.
• After the exam, you may resume your normal diet and activities.

How to Prepare for a Pelvic Ultrasound 

• Fasting is not required for this exam.
• A full bladder is needed to get the most accurate images. About an hour prior to your exam, you should drink at least thirty-two ounces of water. Carbonated beverages are not recommended.
• For studies of your kidneys, you may be asked to drink four to six glasses of liquid one hour prior to your exam so that your bladder can be visualized.
• If you are on prescription medication, you should continue taking as directed.

This is a special ultrasound technique that helps physicians see and evaluate blood flow through arteries and veins in the abdomen, arms, legs, neck, and/or brain (in infants and children) or within various body organs such as the liver or kidneys. Vascular ultrasounds are also used to create precise images and take measurements of blood vessels in the body. This allows doctors to detect diseased vessels and identify a wide variety of changing conditions to make a quick and accurate diagnosis.

What to Expect

• The exam takes roughly one hour.
• You may be asked to change clothes and wear a gown for your exam. If you wear loose clothing with no metal objects, however, you may be able to stay in your clothes.
• This is usually a painless procedure.
• After the exam, you may resume your normal diet and activities.

How to Prepare for a Vascular Ultrasound 

• For most vascular ultrasounds, no preparation is necessary.
• However, for studies involving your aorta, please avoid eating for 8 to 12 hours prior to your exam.
• If you are on prescription medication, you should continue taking as directed.