Ultrasound
(Sonography, Sonograph, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Ultrasonography)
Ultrasound Overview
Ultrasound technology, also called ultrasound scanning or sonography, is a non-invasive medical test that involves exposing part of the body to high frequency sound waves in order to produce pictures of the body. Because these images are captured in real-time, they can show doctors the structure and movement of the body’s internal organs, as well as blood flowing through blood vessels. Ultrasound is a useful tool that helps doctors detect changes in the appearance of organs, tissues, and vessels, or spot abnormalities such as tumours. However, the sound waves do not go through air or bone. If your bones will interfere with an ultrasound image, another test (such a CT scan or an MRI) may be required. This test takes place in a clinic or hospital.
CML HealthCare clinic. Ultrasound room.
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Find an Ultrasound Clinic
Ultrasound FAQs
Why is an Ultrasound test performed?
Doctors request this test for several reasons. An ultrasound can help to guide a biopsy procedure, or it can provide information about:
- a developing fetus,
- organs that may have tumours (e.g., the uterus or prostate gland),
- how specific organs are functioning (e.g., the heart),
- a possible infection, or
- blood vessels and blood flow (e.g., blood clots in the leg veins or narrowing of the arteries in the neck).
With results from this test, your doctor can better identify and treat medical problems. He or she will decide when and how frequently an ultrasound exam is required.
Are there any risks or precautions with an Ultrasound?
Because ultrasound exams do not use the ionizing radiation that is used in X-rays, they are generally considered to be safe, with no known risk of side effects or complications.
What happens during the Ultrasound procedure?
To start the test, you will need to remove all or some of your clothing and put on a hospital gown. You will then be asked to lie face-up on an examination table, and a technician will place some lubricating gel on the area to be examined. This gel helps the transducer, the device that sends the sound waves into your body, to make secure contact with your skin and eliminates any air pockets. The technician will then press the transducer firmly against your skin and sweep it back and forth over the area being studied.
In some ultrasound procedure's, still images, as well as measurements, are taken of the area being examined. You will not feel any pain, although some people who need to have a full bladder for the test may experience some discomfort before they have a chance to urinate. A full bladder is often required for pelvic examinations of the female reproductive organs (e.g., the ovaries or uterus).
In some ultrasound tests, the transducer is attached to a probe and inserted into a natural opening in the body. These tests include:
Transvaginal ultrasounds: The transducer is inserted into a woman’s vagina for better images of the uterus and ovaries.
Transrectal ultrasounds: The transducer is inserted through the anus to look at the colon or prostate gland.
Transesophageal echocardiograms: The transducer is inserted into the esophagus to obtain images of the heart.
How should I prepare for an Ultrasound?
Depending on which area of your body is to be tested, some ultrasound tests require preparation, while others do not. For pelvic ultrasounds, for example, you must drink large amounts of fluids before the test. Or, you may be told not to eat or drink for a certain period of time before your ultrasound.
Follow your doctor's instructions on how to best prepare for your specific type of ultrasound.
Be sure to tell your doctor or pharmacist about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking, as well as any medication allergies and medical conditions that you may have. Also ask them whether you need to stop taking any of your medications before the test.
What can I expect after the Ultrasound?
The technician will finalize the report and send it to your doctor. From there, your doctor will interpret your results and determine the best treatment for your condition.
Click here for ultrasound requisition forms.
