Diagnostic ultrasound is an imaging exam that utilizes sound waves and computer technology to construct images of organs, structures, tissues and blood flow. Ultrasound is able to provide real-time visuals of internal functions, such as how the heart is pumping and blood is moving through the veins. It can also help determine if certain organ or vascular obstructions are present.
Common uses for diagnostic ultrasound include:
Augmenting mammography to determine if a breast lump might be cancer (breast ultrasound)
Checking the gallbladder for signs of gallstones and duct blockages
Assessing blood vessels and blood flow
Looking for vascular blockage or narrowing
Examining the kidneys, liver, spleen, bladder and pancreas
Checking the thyroid and parathyroid glands for growths, including cancer
Examining reproductive organs, including ovaries, uterus, testes
Finding uterine fibroids
Diagnosing infertility
Checking for signs of infection
ULTRASOUND-GUIDED BIOPSY
Ultrasound is also used in image-guided procedures like needle biopsy, enabling the swift, direct collection of cells for optimal accuracy and speed with minimal invasion and discomfort. Ultrasound guidance helps to ensure the adequate collection of targeted tissue and the preservation of healthy surrounding tissue.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF ULTRASOUND?
Unlike many imaging technologies, ultrasound uses soundwaves to create images, so it is 100% free of radiation, making it completely safe and painless. This is why ultrasound is used to assess ongoing fetal development during pregnancy. Ultrasound imaging requires no contrast media, so no dye needs to be injected or swallowed. In some cases, you will be asked not to eat or drink for up to 12 hours before your appointment. If your bladder is being imaged, you may be asked to drink water beforehand so your bladder is full for your exam. However, in the majority of cases, ultrasound requires no special preparation.
Ultrasound is non-invasive, painless, quick, and doesn’t require you to remain utterly motionless for long periods or surrounded by machinery, so there’s no concern about claustrophobia or restlessness.
Most ultrasound procedures are performed like this:
You lie back on an exam table.
A clear gel is applied to the skin above the area being imaged.
Your ultrasound technologist or radiologist moves a warming transducer wand back and forth over the area to produce live images on a computer screen.
In total, the exam usually takes under 30 minutes. Your radiologist will carefully examine the results, and send a report of their findings to your referring clinician.
RAO FOR ULTRASOUND
RAO is accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR) for accuracy, safety and best practice standards across a full range of imaging procedures, including ultrasound. We offer ultrasound at our Medical Imaging Center, TimberRidge Imaging Center, Medical Imaging Center at Windsor Oaks, and our new TimberRidge Imaging Center Heathbrook Pavilion locations.
