Ultrasound
Ultrasound
Imaging (Radiology) Procedures
What is the test?
Ultrasound is painless. It is used to
examine internal organs and to help diagnose various diseases of the heart and
the circulatory system. Ultrasound tests or sonograms use sound waves to examine
parts of the body. The images are created by sending and receiving high
frequency sound waves into the body using a special transducer. The images are
constantly updated and, therefore, can be used in evaluating moving structures.
Sonograms are often used in pregnancy, and to evaluate the gallbladder,
kidneys, blood vessels, as well as many other parts of the body. There is no
radiation involved with ultrasound, and there are no risks known to be
associated with its use.
How do I prepare?
Please plan to arrive in Imaging Services
15 minutes before your scheduled appointment. Preparation for an ultrasound
test varies, depending on the area being evaluated. If you wear loose clothing
to the exam, you may not need to change into a gown.
● Abdomen,
gallbladder, liver, aorta, pancreas, kidneys, spleen ultrasounds
Nothing
to eat or drink after midnight. Pills typically can be
taken with small sips of water. If you are diabetic, consult with your doctor
about your medication prior to the test.
● Bladder,
pelvic, and
pregnancy ultrasounds
A full bladder is needed
to view the pelvic structures, so stay well-hydrated all day by drinking plenty
of fluids. Then one hour prior to the test, finish drinking 32 ounces of fluid.
Do not urinate prior to the test.
● Thyroid,
testicular,, breast, and soft tissue ultrasound
No special preparation.
● Transvaginal
ultrasound
No special preparation. If
you have a latex allergy, please alert your technician.
What can I expect during the procedure?
An ultrasound exam takes between 30 and 60
minutes, depending on the size and health of the patient. The test is performed
by a specially trained technologist. The technologist begins by applying gel to the skin over
the organ to be examined; this facilitates the transmission of the sound waves.
A transducer (sound wave transmitter and receiver) is moved back and forth over
the area being studied, and internal images are recorded in the computer and
displayed on the video monitor in real time. Images are recorded on film.
After the test?
There are no after-effects from ultrasound.
How and when will I get my test
results?
Typically, within 48 hours
a written report of your test results will be sent to your referring physician,
who will review them with you. Additional time (3 to 5 days) may be required if
we are comparing these test results to previous findings from another hospital
or health-care provider.
Where is this test performed?
Ultrasound is available at all three
Imaging Services centers: Cayuga Medical Center at 101 Dates Drive, off NYS
Route 96 in Ithaca; Convenient Care Center in Ithaca, Warren Road at Arrowwood
Drive; and Convenient Care and Commons Imaging Center in Cortland, Route 281 at
Commons Avenue.
About our Imaging Services
Cayuga Medical Center has a commitment to
and reputation for staying abreast of changing technology and our imaging
equipment is state-of-the-art. Our range of services is comprehensive and we
offer all imaging modalities found in major medical centers. Radiologists are
on site at all three of our locations, which also distinguishes the level of
service we provide.
Imaging Services is staffed by six-board
certified radiologists, many of whom are subspecialists in areas such as
neuroradiology, abdominal CT, and interventional procedures. Assisting them are
experienced radiologic technologists, many of whom have completed advanced
training and are certified in specialty modalities.