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Ultrasound

Description

Exams Offered

Exam Preparation

Hours & Scheduling

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is ultrasound?

Ultrasound is a medical procedure that uses sound waves to “see” inside the body.  It can be used to study parts of the body such as abdominal and pelvic organs, and blood vessels in the legs and arms.  It is also used to check the health of a pregnant woman and her unborn baby.

How does ultrasound work?

Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves.  It was developed by the military for ships to locate objects under the surface of the water, called SONAR.  In diagnostic ultrasound, clear gel is applied to the skin and a small, microphone-like device called a transducer is placed over the area being examined. Sound waves pass harmlessly through the skin from the transducer.  The sound waves bounce off certain organs and tissues in the body.  This creates “echoes.”  The echoes are reflected back through the transducer and are visualized on a monitor on the ultrasound machine. 

Ultrasound does not travel through air or bone.  This means that it is not useful for studying the lungs, adult brain or bone.  The presence of gas in the intestines may also interfere with the imaging of some structures.

Who performs my ultrasound?

Our department is accredited by the ACR (American College of Radiology).  This certifies that our department meets nationally accepted standards in ultrasound.  This recognizes that our personnel are well qualified, thoroughly educated and certified to perform and interpret your medical images.   Our ultrasound technologists are ARDMS (American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers) certified in various modalities including Abdomen, Obstetrical, Gynecological and Vascular.  These healthcare professionals have special training to understand the principles behind the technology and equipment, help determine proper positioning for the exam, and recognize symptoms to understand disease processes.

What exams are performed at ACMH Hospital?

Abdomen - Aorta, Gallbladder, Kidneys, Liver, Pancreas, Spleen and Soft Tissue Masses
Breast Imaging
Pelvis -  Female: Ovaries, Uterus, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Trimester Pregnancies
            Male:  Testicular Imaging
Special Procedures - Breast Biopsy/Aspiration
Thyroid Imaging
Vascular - Arterial and Venous Systems of the Arms and Legs, Biliary Tree, Portal and        Hepatic Veins

Is there prep for my exam?

Most exams require some preparation to allow the highest quality imaging to be obtained. If you have a medical reason that prevents you from participating in some or all of the preparations for your exam, please talk with your physician before scheduling the exam.  The following is a list of preps used in our department.

  • ABDOMEN: FASTING 8 HOURS PRIOR TO EXAM

    • Abdomen Limited (Gallbladder, liver, biliary, pancreas)

    • Abdomen Complete (upper)

    • Abdominal Aorta (AAA)

    • Abdominal Doppler (Portal and Hepatic Vessels)

  • AMNIOCENTESIS: NO PREP

  • ARTERIAL DOPPLER (ARMS OR LEGS) OR ABI/SEGMENTAL PRESSURES TESTING: NO SMOKING 2 HOURS PRIOR TO EXAM

  • BREAST: NO PREP

  • GYNECOLOGICAL: DRINK 32oz WATER 1 HOUR PRIOR TO EXAM; DO NOT EMPTY BLADDER

    • Pelvic Complete (transabdominal and transvaginal)

    • Pelvic Limited (transabdominal only) or Bladder (Pre and Post Void)

    • Transvaginal only: NO PREP

  • HYSTEROSONOGRAM: NO PREP

  • KIDNEYS: NO PREP

  • OBSTETRICAL:

    • 1st Trimester: DRINK 32oz WATER 1 HOUR PRIOR TO EXAM; DO NOT EMPTY BLADDER

    • 2nd and 3rd Trimester: DRINK 16oz WATER 1 HOUR PRIOR TO EXAM; DO NOT EMPTY BLADDER

  • SPECIAL PROCEDURES (BIOPSY / ASPIRATION): NO ASPIRIN OR ASPIRIN PRODUCTS AT LEAST 4 DAYS PRIOR TO PROCEDURE

    • NOTE: CHECK WITH YOUR PHYSICIAN PRIOR TO DISCONTINUING ANY BLOOD THINNING MEDICATIONS

  • TESTICLES / SCROTUM: NO PREP

  • THYROID: NO PREP

  • VENOUS DOPPLER (ARMS OR LEGS): NO PREP

If there are any questions concerning the preparation used for your exam, please do not hesitate to contact us at (724) 543-8487.

What are the department scheduling hours?

We are staffed 6:30am to 11:30pm Monday-Friday and Saturday from 7:00am to 3:30pm.  On call for emergencies 24 hours a day/7 days a week.

How do I get an appointment?

You need a physician’s order indicating the type of exam to be performed and a reason (diagnosis) for the exam.  Your physician may schedule the exam or you may personally schedule by calling (724) 543-8131.  Please have your order with you when calling, as the scheduler will have questions concerning the exam.