Ultrasound

Also called sonography or ultrasonography, ultrasound is an imaging technology that uses high frequency sound waves to produce two-dimensional images of internal body structures in real time. Doppler ultrasound is a special technique for evaluating blood flow in the abdomen, arms, legs, neck, brain and other organs such as the liver, spleen or kidneys. There are three types of Doppler ultrasound:

  • Color Doppler uses colors to show the speed and direction of blood flow through an artery or vein blood.
  • Power Doppler is a newer technique that provides greater detail about blood flow, especially when blood flow is little or minimal.
  • Spectral Doppler displays blood flow measurements graphically to reveal the distance blood travels per unit of time.

Ultrasound helps us diagnose the causes of infection, pain, and swelling in internal organs and structures. It helps us safely examine a developing fetus as well as the brains and hips of infants. We also use ultrasound to guide certain procedures such as biopsies, fluid drainage, and vascular access. Like MRI, ultrasound is a safe, noninvasive medical procedure that does not use radiation.

Preparing for an Ultrasound

Depending on the type of study, you may be asked to not eat for a number of hours prior to an ultrasound of the abdomen. This is to better evaluate the gallbladder which should fill up when you are not eating, providing a better image of the gallbladder. For pelvic ultrasounds, including those to evaluate a baby, you may be asked to drink water before the procedure (to fill the bladder) or to empty your bladder. Otherwise, there is usually no preparation necessary for an ultrasound examination.

What should I expect during the examination?

The sonographer, who performed the ultrasound and obtains images for the radiologist, will let you know specifically what to expect. In general, ultrasound is performed by placing a gel on the skin and using an ultrasound probe to capture images from various angles. You may be asked to turn side to side, sit up or lie down, or perform different maneuvers to obtain the necessary images. In some instances you will be asked to drink water or empty your bladder prior to or during your procedure. You may also be asked to change into a hospital gown depending on the body part being evaluated.

For some pelvic ultrasounds, images are obtained with specialized probe that is placed within the vagina to better visualize the uterus and ovaries. If this is requested or necessary, your sonographer will notify you and ask for your consent.

The ultrasound itself generally takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on what is being evaluated and the difficulty of obtaining the necessary views. Ultrasounds evaluating a fetus may take longer since the baby may be in a position which makes imaging more challenging.

Occasionally, after obtaining initial images, your sonographer may step out of the room to review images with the radiologist and ensure all the necessary images have been obtained. He or she may then return to get more images if requested by the radiologist.

You should have no remaining effects of an ultrasound after the procedure.

To learn more or for any questions, please call (714) 970-0200 or email office@fullertonradiology.org. For facility specific questions or concerns, please use the Locations page to find the appropriate contact information. Fullerton Radiology Medical Group radiologist physicians help doctors and patients at its affiliated locations, which serve the Anaheim, Bellflower, Brea, Buena Park, Cerritos, Corona, Fullerton, Orange, Placentia, Riverside, Yorba Linda, and neighboring communities.