Ultrasound

What is Ultrasound?

Ultrasound is a procedure where a technologist uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of superficial tissues, blood vessels, and internal organs. These high-frequency sound waves are inaudible to the human ear.

Benefits of an Ultrasound:

  • No radiation is used.
  • Noninvasive – Most exams do not penetrate the skin or body openings.
  • Diagnostic – Can be effectively utilized to detect various diseases or conditions.

Equipment

All of Yeoh & Muranaka Radiology’s facilities received brand new Toshiba Aplio XG units in 2010. These new units utilize Toshiba’s new Precision Imaging technology, a multi-resolution signal processing technique that analyzes ultrasound images line by line to enhance the amount of information obtained. This enables our technologists to acquire ultrasound images of unprecedented clarity and resolution and to see more clinical detail than ever before.

Procedure

You will be given specific preparation instructions depending on your ultrasound procedure. It is important to follow these instructions to ensure that the technologist is able to obtain the best pictures possible of the area being scanned.

You may be asked to change into a paper gown for easy access to the scanning area. Once you are on the exam table, the technologist will apply a coupling gel, warmed for your comfort, that allows for the penetration of the sound waves at the skin surface.

The technologist will take the necessary images for our Radiologists to review and interpret. At anytime, you may ask questions or discuss the procedure details with the technologist.

Preparation

Abdomen Ultrasound

  • Nothing to eat, drink or chew 8 hours prior to the procedure.
  • You may take your medications.

Pelvis / Sonohysterogram – Your bladder must be full for the exam.

  • Empty bladder 1 hour before the appointment. Do NOT urinate again until the exam is completed.
  • 1 hour before the appointment, drink 32 oz. of water (4 glasses).

Kidney / Bladder

  • Drink 24 oz. of water 1 hour before scheduled appointment.
  • Do NOT urinate until the exam is completed.

Abdomen / Pelvis

  • No food or fluid 8 hours prior to exam.
  • Drink 32 oz. of water (4 glasses) 1 hour prior to exam time.
  • Do NOT urinate until the exam is completed.

Breast, Thyroid, Testicular, Carotid and Venous studies

  • No preparation necessary.