Preparing for an Ultrasound

Preparation varies depending on the type of ultrasound:

• Wear comfortable, loose clothing.
• You may need to remove clothing and jewellery in the examination area.
• Some exams require fasting (not eating or drinking) for a specific period before the procedure, while others may need a full bladder (drinking several glasses of water before the exam).

The Procedure

During an ultrasound:

• You will lie on an exam table, typically on your back.
• A technologist applies a water-based gel to the area of interest to enhance sound wave transmission.
• The transducer is moved over the skin to capture images. This process is generally painless, though some pressure may be felt.
• For certain exams, such as transesophageal echocardiograms or transrectal ultrasounds, a probe may be inserted into a body cavity.

Benefits and Risks

Benefits:

• Non-invasive and safe with no known harmful effects.
• Real-time imaging is useful for guiding procedures.
• Cost-effective compared to other imaging methods.
• Excellent for soft tissue evaluation.

Risks:

• Minimal; standard diagnostic ultrasound poses no known risks.

Limitations

Ultrasound may be less effective in imaging areas filled with air or gas (like the lungs or intestines) and cannot penetrate bone. However, it can still detect fluid around organs or assess bone infections.

If you have any questions about ultrasound imaging or wish to schedule an appointment, feel free to reach out!