What is an ULTRASOUND?

Ultrasound (sonography) uses high-frequency sound waves that echo off the body. It is painless and noninvasive, and does not require radiation. Ultrasound is used most often to look for blood clots or fetal imaging, but can also show other problems, such as a Baker’s cyst behind the knee or even a rotator cuff tear in the shoulder.

Source: Orthoinfo.org

Ultrasound uses sound waves to develop ultrasound images of what’s going on inside the body. An instrument called a transducer emits high-frequency sound, inaudible to human ears, and then records the echoes as the sound waves bounce back to determine the size, shape, and consistency of soft tissues and organs.

This information is relayed in real time to produce images on a computer screen. Ultrasound technicians, or sonographers, have special training in how to perform the test. Then a radiologist or your doctor will interpret the ultrasound images. This technology can help diagnose and treat certain conditions.

Source: Webmd.com

Depending on the type of ultrasound test you are having, your doctor may offer special instructions, such as not eating or drinking anything for a number of hours before the test. Or you may be advised to drink several glasses of water in the time leading up to the test and refrain from using the bathroom to ensure that your bladder is full.

You should wear comfortable clothing that is easy to remove or partially remove. In some cases, you may need to disrobe or wear a gown, but often an ultrasound technician can easily access the area of the body that is being screened without your having to take off your clothes.

The technician will apply a water-based gel to the area. This is so the transducer can easily glide across your skin without any air in between. He or she may be looking for specific markers and may make measurements or notes while the test is in progress.

A typical ultrasound takes between 30 minutes and an hour. Ultrasounds usually are not uncomfortable, and you are awake and alert during the procedure. Often a technician will discuss what he or she is seeing during the test, but in some instances, you may need to wait to discuss the findings with your doctor.

Source: Webmd.com

Ultrasound imaging has many uses in medicine, from confirming and dating a pregnancy to diagnosing certain conditions and guiding doctors through precise medical procedures.

Diagnostics

Doctors employ ultrasound imaging in diagnosing a wide variety of conditions affecting the organs and soft tissues of the body, including the heart and blood vessels, liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, bladder, uterus, ovaries, eyes, thyroid, and testicles. Ultrasounds do have some diagnostic limitations, however; sound waves do not transmit well through dense bone or parts of the body that may hold air or gas, such as the bowel.

Use during medical procedures.

Ultrasound imaging can help doctors during procedures such as needle biopsies, which require the doctor to remove tissue from a very precise area inside the body for testing in a lab.

Therapeutic applications.

Source: Webmd.com

Ultrasounds sometimes are used to detect and treat soft-tissue injuries.

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SCHEDULE AN ULTRASOUND IN JUST 3 EASY STEPS

Setting up an appointment has never been easier. You can simply call one of your locations, or follow the steps below to schedule your ULTRASOUND today!.

GET A REFERRAL

To get started you just need an order from your treating physicians office. You can upload it here.

CALL TO SCHEDULE

Next, call either the Des Plaines or Merrionette Park to schedule your ULTRASOUND appointment.

PROVIDE DEMOGRAPHICS

Next, we just need; Name, DOB, Phone #, Address, Insurance & Study Information. It’s that easy!

CALL DES PLAINES: 847-296-5366
CALL MERRIONETTE PARK: 708-215-3400

We will call you the day before your appointment as a reminder of your upcoming ULTRASOUND study.