Ultrasound (US) examinations use high frequency sound waves to provide real time, motion picture-like images of the abdomen, pelvis, and major blood vessels. X-rays are not necessary to produce ultrasound images. Cost-effective ultrasound examinations form the backbone of diagnostic imaging evaluation of diseases involving the gallbladder, reproductive organs, aorta, and major neck arteries.

Similar to use of sonar to find objects below the ocean's surface, ultrasound measures the sound waves reflected back from organs and tissues below the skin surface. Various organs and tissues reflect or absorb the ultrasonic waves differently, forming detailed images. A major advantage of ultrasound is its ability to display real time motion, such as normal motion of the baby in later stages of pregnancy. Special color Doppler ultrasound studies can assess the direction and velocity of blood flow within arteries and veins.

During the ultrasound examination, you simply lie on a comfortable table. The technologist passes a small, hand held transducer over the region of interest to both transmit and receive back the ultrasound waves used to form the final images. A gel is applied to eliminate any air pockets between the transducer and the skin surface. The ultrasound examination is completely painless, and requires 10 to 20 minutes.

Ultrasound is a safe procedure for all patients. For example, ultrasound is the preferred type of imaging study for evaluation of pregnant women and their babies.

Please refer to the Patient Preparation section of our Website for up to date information regarding what you should do to be ready for your ultrasound examination.