Diagnostic
Services
Radiology
Services - Ultrasound |
What
is abdominal ultrasound scanning?
Ultrasound scanning, also called ultrasound imaging or sonography,
is a method of obtaining images from inside the human body
through the use of high-frequency sound waves. The sound
waves are recorded and displayed as a real-time image. No
ionizing radiation is involved. Because ultrasound images
are captured in real time, they can show movement of internal
tissues and organs, and enable physicians to see blood flow.
What
are some common uses of the procedure?
Ultrasound imaging is used extensively for evaluating the
kidneys, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, and blood
vessels of the abdomen. Because it provides real-time images,
it can also be used to:
•
Guide procedures such as needle biopsies, in which a needle
is used to sample cells from an organ for laboratory testing;
• Help a physician determine the source of abdominal
pain, such as stones in the gallbladder or kidney, or an
inflamed appendix;
• Help identify the cause for enlargement of an abdominal
organ.
Doppler ultrasound is a special type of ultrasound study
used to examine major blood vessels. These images can help
the physician to see and evaluate:
• Blockages to blood flow, such as clots
• Build-up of plaque inside the vessel
• Congenital malformations
With knowledge about the speed and volume of blood flow
gained from ultrasound imaging, the physician often can
determine whether you are a good candidate for a procedure
such as angioplasty.
How should I prepare for the
procedure?
You should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. For
some scans, your doctor may instruct you not to eat or drink
for 12 hours before your appointment. For others, you may
be asked to drink several glasses of water two hours prior
to your exam and to avoid urinating so that your bladder
is full when scanning begins
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