Ultrasound
Ultrasound is an exam that uses sound waves. There is no radiation involved during an ultrasound scan. The sonographer performs the exam placing a water based acoustic gel on the area to be scanned. A hand held instrument (transducer) is passed over the area of your body, which is being scanned. The sonographer will explain the exam in more detail before and during the exam.
There may be patient preparations depending on what type of ultrasound scan you are having done. These preparations will be given to you when your exam is scheduled. Scans can last anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour.
Preparation
Abdominal
- Day prior to the examination:
- Do not eat or drink after midnight.
- Please, NO chewing gum.
- Day of examination:
- Do not eat or drink anything –not even water – until after your examination is completed.
Aorta
- Day of the examination:
- No fatty foods and dairy products.
- No carbonated beverages.
- No chewing gum.
Extremities for DVT
No preparation required.
Kidneys
No preparation required.
Pelvis - An examination of the uterus, ovaries and bladder
- Day of examination:
- Drink plenty of noncarbonated liquids.
- One hour before the scheduled appointment, drink four 8 oz. glasses of water.
- DO NOT EMPTY YOUR BLADDER.
The bladder must be full in order to do the examination. You will be able to empty your bladder when the examination is completed.
Superficial Mass
No preparation required.
Testicles
No preparation required.
Thyroid
No preparation required.
Transvaginal
No preparation required. An endovaginal (full pelvic) study must have been completed within the LVHHN network within the calendar year as a baseline.