Ultrasound

AKA Sonography.

Ultrasound is a safe, painless, non-invasive procedure that uses sound waves to examine the structure and function of soft tissues. It can be used to diagnose a variety of conditions, monitor blood flow or blockages, analyze glandular nodules, or evaluate the veins for grafting into a coronary bypass. It can be used to evaluate the reproductive system or to view an embryo or fetus within a woman's uterus to assess growth and development.

Ultrasound is invaluable to physicians in determining the risk factor of stroke or embolism by detecting the presence of plaque or blood clots.

Because ultrasound provides real-time images (images that are renewed continuously), it can also be used as a guide through procedures such as needle biopsies or to aid in the placement of a needle or catheter.

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During an ultrasound, you will be positioned on an examination table that can be tilted or moved. A clear water-based gel is applied to the skin to eliminate air pockets between the transducer and the skin that can block the sound waves from passing into your body. The sonographer (ultrasound technologist) or radiologist then presses the transducer firmly against the skin in various locations, sweeping over the area of interest or angling the sound beam from a farther location to see an area of concern better.

When the examination is complete, you may be asked to dress and wait while the ultrasound images are reviewed. Most ultrasound examinations are completed within 30 minutes to an hour.

You should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for your SMIL ultrasound exam. You may need to remove all clothing and jewelry in the area to be examined, and you may be asked to wear a gown during the procedure. To learn more about your particular Ultrasound exam, select your type below.

For standard diagnostic ultrasound, there are no known harmful effects on humans. Ultrasound exams do not use ionizing radiation.

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