Ultrasound Imaging
Ultrasound imaging - also known as sonography - is a medical imaging technique used to produce images of the human body. This technology is commonly used for obstetrics and gynecology, breast care, cardiology, urology, and many other specialties.
Ultrasound imaging uses sound waves to produce images of organs, vessels, and tissues in the body. During an ultrasound examination, a small, hand-held transducer is placed in contact with the patient's body.
High-frequency sound waves pass through the body, sending back "echoes" as they bounce off organs, vessel walls, and tissues. Special computer equipment then converts these echoes into an image.
Radiologists use a variety of machines like the GE Logic E9 Ultrasound machine to monitor the heartbeat and development of unborn babies. It’s also used to produce images of normal and diseased tissue inside the body.
Our ultrasound can also detect and evaluate cancer, fetal abnormalities, and other conditions. In addition, our equipment can measure blood flow in the heart and blood vessels.
Patient Preparation
Depending upon the body part being examined, you may be advised to drink water before your ultrasound examination, because sound waves travel more easily through fluid.
You also may be advised to avoid drinking carbonated beverages before the examination because the air bubbles may interfere with the image.
You should wear comfortable clothing on the day of your examination. You may or may not be asked to put on a hospital gown, depending upon the procedure.
Before the exam begins, a sonographer will explain the procedure to you, ask questions about your health, ask why your physician requested the exam, and answer any questions you might have.
A sonographer is a skilled medical professional who has received specialized education in the areas of anatomy, patient care, imaging techniques, and ultrasound procedures.
What to expect during an exam
Upon entering the exam room, you will see the ultrasound equipment next to the patient’s table.
A sonographer will get you situated on the table, explain the procedure, and answer any questions you might have.
The sonographer will apply a special lotion to your skin directly above the area being studied. The lotion is odorless, harmless, and water-soluble.
A gel will be applied to your skin, eliminating the air between the ultrasound’s transducer and your skin, thus allowing the sound waves to transmit into your body.
After the lotion is applied, the sonographer will move a device called a transducer over the lotion-covered skin. The sonographer will glide the transducer over the area of interest to obtain the images.
You may be asked to change positions to allow for the best views of the image. The gel is removed from your skin after the images have been captured.
Impact of an ultrasound
Ultrasound relies on sound waves rather than radiation, there is no exposure to radiation during this procedure. The exam is painless with no side effects.
Length and preparation for exam
Depending on the area of the body to be examined, an ultrasound generally takes 20 to 30 minutes. Some exams may take longer. On the day of the appointment, some procedures require you to fast or drink before the exam. Otherwise, you may go about your normal routine. Should your exam require special preparation, your physician will give you instructions.
Getting results
After your exam, a radiologist specializing in ultrasound will analyze and interpret the images from the exam and prepare a report. The report will be sent to your physician who will share the results with you. To request a copy of the written report, please contact your physician’s office.
Technology
GE Logic E-9 Ultrasound
This is a revolutionary system focused on delivering remarkable image quality and productivity in a more ergonomic design. As a full-service ultrasound, it provides vascular, abdominal, pelvic, and obstetric sonographic services. With its software-intensive ultrasound imaging platform, it gives us unsurpassed computational power, image manipulation capabilities, and workflow flexibility.
The ultrasound architecture improves image quality and expands clinical utility. It also improves image acquisition and patient throughput while increasing diagnostic confidence and exam consistency. In addition, its advanced ergonomic design makes it extremely comfortable for patients and easy to use for the staff.