Ultrasound

Sound waves are used to examine internal organs. An ultrasound technologist will apply a warm gel to the skin which allows the sound waves to be transmitted and received from inside the body. No radiation is utilized to produce the images.

Breast Ultrasound

Ultrasound imaging of the breast produces a picture of the internal structures of the breast. Visit the Breast Ultrasound page for more information.

OB Ultrasound

Obstetrical ultrasound is used to determine the baby’s age, position, appearance of body parts, volume of fluid around the baby, and the position of the placenta. View the OB Ultrasound for specific OB information.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Exam

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (AAA) are common and account for approximately 9,000 deaths in the United States annually. AAAs can remain stable for years, and if left untreated may eventually rupture, leading to life-threatening bleeding and complications. The mortality rate is high for ruptured AAAs, with one in three AAAs rupturing, and emergency surgery can be dangerous.

The United States Preventative Task Force recommends a one-time screening for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm by ultrasonography in men aged 65-75 who have a history of smoking. This abdominal ultrasound exam is covered if your physician orders it as part of your “Welcome to Medicare” physical exam. An abdominal ultrasound can detect an aneurysm and investigate its size and location. The exact cause of aortic aneurysms are unknown, but risk factors for developing an aortic aneurysm include:

  • High blood pressure
  • Tobacco use (most influential of all the risk factors)
  • Obesity
  • Emphysema
  • Genetic factors
  • Male Gender

Procedures / Exams Offered

  • Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)
  • Abdomen and/or Gallbladder
  • Abdomen and Pelvis (combination exam)
  • Aorta
  • Extremities
  • Head and Neck
  • Infant hips
  • Kidney/Bladder, Retroperitoneal
  • Kidney transplant with Doppler
  • Obstetrical, Pelvis, and Bladder
  • Thyroid
  • Scrotum and Testicles

Preparation Information

Abdonimal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Preparation

  • No food or drink eight hours prior to the exam.
  • Please arrive 20 minutes prior to your appointment time.
  • Bring pertinent x-rays or other imaging studies with you.

Abdomen and/or Gallbladder Preparation

  • Nothing by mouth (NPO) except medications for eight hours before exam.
  • Please arrive 20 minutes prior to your exam time.
  • Bring pertinent x-rays or other imaging studies with you.

Abdomen and Pelvis(combination exam) Preparation

  • Nothing by mouth (NPO) except medications for eight hours before exam.
  • By one hour prior to your appointment, finish drinking 32oz. of water and then hold this until your exam time.
  • Do not urinate until after the exam. A full bladder is necessary.
  • Please arrive 20 minutes prior to your appointment time.
  • Bring pertinent x-rays or other imaging studies with you.

Aorta Preparation

  • Nothing by mouth (NPO) except medications for eight hours before exam.
  • Please arrive 20 minutes prior to your appointment time.
  • Bring pertinent x-rays or other imaging studies with you.

Kidney/Bladder, Retroperitoneal Preparation

  • Finish drinking 16 oz. of water  by one hour prior to your exam and and then hold this until exam time.
    • Dialysis patients do not need to drink water.
  • Do not urinate until the examination is complete.
  • Please arrive 20 prior to your exam time.
  • Bring pertinent x-rays or other imaging studies with you.

Kidney transplant with Doppler Preparation

  • Please arrive 20 minutes prior to your exam time.
  • Bring pertinent x-rays or other imaging studies with you.

Obstetrical, Pelvis and Bladder Preparation

  • Finish drinking 32 oz of water by one hour prior to your exam time and hold this until your appointment.
  • Do not urinate until after your examination is complete. A full bladder is necessary.
  • Please arrive 20 minutes prior to your exam time.
  • Bring pertinent x-rays or other imaging studies with you.

Thyroid and Testes Preparation

  • Please arrive 20 minutes prior to your exam time.
  • Bring pertinent x-rays or other imaging studies with you.