Ultrasound

Ultrasound, also referred to as sonography, is an imaging test that uses high-frequency sound waves to capture still or live images of the human body. An ultrasound is capture in “real time” and can visualize organs, vessels, and soft tissues without radiation. Ultrasound is frequently used to evaluate the kidneys, bladder, liver, gallbladder, ovaries, uterus, pancreas, spleen, thyroid, testicles, carotid arteries, and other arteries and veins. Since ultrasound does not use radiation, it is the preferred method to image the fetus during pregnancy.
Medications can be taken as usual, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

If you are having an abdominal or gallbladder ultrasound, it is advised that you fast for at least eight hours before your exam.

For a bladder or pelvic ultrasound, it is necessary to drink water prior to your exam in order to fill your bladder. This allows the technologist to have a sonographic "window" to better visualize these organs.
For the exam, you will be lying down on a table and may be asked to change or remove some clothing . The sonographer will ensure you are covered for your privacy. The ultrasound technologist will apply gel on your skin and firmly place a transducer (small handheld probe) against the part of your body to be examined. You may feel mild pressure from the back and forth motion of the transducer. After the necessary images are obtained, the examination is complete. Depending on the type of exam, the entire exam is typically completed in 20 to 45 minutes.
You can resume normal activities after having an ultrasound. After your ultrasound, your images will be reviewed and reported on by a radiologist, and the results will be sent to your doctor.

Ultrasound or “sonography” is a noninvasive and painless procedure that uses sound waves to produce images.

It is used for a variety of medical purposes, including monitoring pregnancies, examining organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys, and assessing blood flow.