Ultrasound
Ultrasound imaging (also called Sonography) is safe, simple and painless method of obtaining diagnostic images from inside the human body through the use of high-frequency sound waves. There is no radiation exposure associated with ultrasound diagnostics and there are no injections.
These scans are also able to capture moving images of abdominal function (including gallstones), the male reproductive system, breast abnormalities, thyroid systems and the kidneys. When combined with a special technique, ultrasound can also capture moving blood images of large blood vessels.
What are some common uses of Ultrasound?
- Viewing an unborn fetus.
- Examining many of the body’s internal organs, including the liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, bladder, uterus, and ovaries.
- Enabling physicians to see blood flow.
- Imaging the breast.
- Evaluating superficial structures, such as the thyroid gland and scrotum (testicles).
- Lower extremity vascular ultrasound to evaluate for deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
What should I expect during this exam?
How do I prepare for an Ultrasound?
You should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for your ultrasound exam. You will need to remove all clothing and jewelry in the area to be examined. You may be asked to wear a gown during the procedure.
Abdomen/Gallbladder/Aorta
- Nothing to eat or drink 8 hrs prior to your study.
Pelvic
- Drink 32 ounces (four 8 oz. glasses) of water to be finished one hour before your appointment time. Arrive with a full bladder.
Thyroid/Scrotal/Carotid/Venous Doppler Legs and Arms:
- No prep
How is the procedure performed?
After being positioned on the table, a clear gel will be applied to the area under examination. This will help the transducer make contact with the skin. The technologist will firmly press the transducer against the skin and move it back and forth to image the area. Most ultrasound exams are painless.
In some ultrasound studies of the female pelvis, the transducer is attached to a probe and inserted into a natural opening in the body. During a trans-vaginal ultrasound, the transducer is inserted into a woman’s vagina to view the uterus and ovaries. This exam is performed only after patients’ consent.
After the examination is complete and the gel has been wiped off, you may be asked to wait while the ultrasound images are reviewed by the radiologist.
Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram can determine if your heart muscles and valves are working correctly. Listen to you heart and schedule an appointment with Griffin Imaging today.
Benefits of an Echocardiogram
- Can look for heart disease
- Monitor heart disease
- See how well medical or surgical treatments have worked