Ultrasound imaging, also called Ultrasound Scanning or Sonography, involves exposing part of the body to high-frequency sound waves to produce pictures of the inside of the body. Ultrasound exams do not use ionizing (X-ray) radiation.

Procedure

Most ultrasound examinations are painless, fast and easy. Depending on your procedure, you may be asked to change from your street clothes into a gown. While lying on a cushioned examination stretcher, the UMI sonographer will rub a warm gel on your skin around the area to be examined. 

About the Gel

• All Ultrasound exams at UMI use a warmed gel for patient comfort.
• The gel acts as a coupling agent, so that the sound waves emitted from the transducer can be efficiently transmitted and received to and from the body.
• Once the imaging is complete, the gel will be wiped off your skin. The water-soluble gel does not stain fabrics or skin. Also, because it is hypoallergenic, its use carries no risk of allergic reaction.

General preparation tips

• Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the exam time to complete a registration form, billing information, and a brief medical history questionnaire.
• The following Ultrasound exam modalities require no special pre-exam preparation: Arterial, Musculoskeletal, Scrotal, Trans-vaginal, Thyroid and Venous.
• Other exam types that require preparation include:
• Pelvic: Please drink 32 oz. (one quart, or four eight-ounce glasses) of water one hour prior to the time of the exam. This will ensure a full bladder, which facilitates a proper diagnostic setting. (If your bladder becomes painfully full, feel free to urinate just enough to be comfortable while still ensuring a full bladder for the exam.)
• Abdomen: (kidneys, gallbladder, liver, pancreas, aorta, and spleen): It is important that you take nothing by mouth (i.e., no food or water) after midnight of the evening preceding a morning abdominal Ultrasound. If the exam is scheduled for an afternoon, please be sure to fast for at least 4 hours prior to the exam. (Note: If the exam is called for under urgent conditions and the fasting guidelines cannot be followed, please notify your UMI radiologist before the exam gets underway.)
• Your entire stay for the exam is estimated at 1 hour, including advance arrival time.

For more detailed information on many radiology procedures, please visit this informational site.