Ultrasound
 Utrasound imaging is a sound
wave which creates an image of internal organs, vessels
and tissues in the body. The image is produced by an
ultrasound machine when a hand-held transducer is kept
in constant contact with the body. The transducer emits
an inaudible, high-frequency sound wave that passes
through the body, and then bounces back to the transducer,
creating an image on atelevision viewing monitor. Since
ultrasound imaging is radiation-free, it serves as a
safe form of scanning for women who are pregnant. It
is also useful in detecting abdominal conditions, breast
cysts or gallstones.
 On the day of the exam, patients
are advised to wear comfortable clothing, and may be asked
to drink water, depending on the part of the body that will
be examined. Water will help produce clearer images, since
sound waves travel more easily through fluid. Patients may
also be asked to avoid carbonated beverages prior to their
ultrasound exam, because the air bubbles may interfere with
the image. Depending on what type of examination is required
and which part of body is being evaluated, the total time
for an ultrasound exam can range from 30 minutes to more than
one hour. Test results will be faxed to the patient’s
referring physician within 24 hours of the appointment date.
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