| What can I expect from an ultrasound?
The technologist will assist you onto the examination table. A gel-like substance is applied to the area of your body being imaged. The technologist uses a hand-held transducer (microphone-type device), moving it slowly across the body part being imaged. Sound waves pass harmlessly through the skin from the transducer. The sound waves bounce off certain organs and tissues in the body and create echoes. The echoes are analyzed by a computer, which creates a moving picture of these images on a television screen.
You may be asked to hold your breath or change your body position in order to obtain the images that are needed. The length of time for the exam varies from 15 to 60 minutes, depending on the type of exam performed.
Your examination will be interpreted by a radiologist and the report
will be sent to your referring physician. You should make arrangements
with your physician on how you will receive your results from them
(such as follow-up appointment or calling the physician's office). |