FAQ / Preparation
FAQ
1) What is Ultrasound and does it hurt?
Ultrasound is a painless non-invasive imaging using energy in the form of sound waves which are directed through the body by a transducer. The sound waves are then processed into an image that is displayed on a monitor. Ultrasound does not use radiation.
2) How will my ultrasound study be performed?
During the examination, gel is applied to the skin to assure adequate contact for the transducer. The transducer is then moved over the specific area to be studied.
3) Why is ultrasound used?
Ultrasound may be used to detect the presence of abdominal and pelvic masses or cysts, identify gallbladder or renal stones, and examine breasts, testes or thyroid glands. All internal organs can easily be identified and evaluated. Ultrasound may also be used to obtain information about your heart, veins or arteries.
Additionally, ultrasound may be used to evaluate a developing fetus within the uterus. Some of the most common reasons for a pregnancy sonogram include determining age, size and position of the fetus, position of the placenta, fetal motion and heartbeat, and some birth defects.
PATIENT PREPARATION
Abdominal Sonograms:
Nothing to eat or drink twelve (12) hours prior to your study. (Please call our office if you are diabetic or for any reason the twelve (12) hour fast is not possible.)
Pelvic Sonograms:
A full bladder is necessary for the exam. Finish drinking four (4) large glasses of water or another non-carbonated liquid one hour before your appointment. Do not empty bladder. Pregnancy Sonograms: Patients less than 10 weeks, no preparation is necessary. Pregnant patients 10-24 weeks must finish drinking 24 ounces of water or other non-carbonated liquid one hour prior to their exam. Patients must not empty their bladder. Pregnant patients who are 25 weeks or more must finish drinking 16 ounces 1 hour prior to their study and must not emptytheir bladder until the study is completed.
Preparation
Prior to your procedure it is important to follow the instructions provided to you by our medical staff. Following instructions will ensure the accuracy of your test results. For specific detailed instructions please select from the following procedures:
Ultrasound Preparation
Abdominal: Nothing to eat/drink 12 Hrs prior to study Diabetics may have DRY toast w/jelly, crackers, clear fruit juice, Jello, Black coffee, NO DAIRY
Abdomen/Aorta: Same as abdomen Aorta: No fasting
Pelvic/Transvaginal/OB: Drink 4-8oz. glasses of water 1 hr prior to study- DO NOT EMPTY BLADDER Renal U/S: No prep Renal Doppler: Nothing to eat/drink 12 Hrs prior to study Bladder: Drink 4 8oz. glasses of water 1hr prior to study
Abdomen/Pelvic: Nothing to eat/drink 12 hrs prior to study 1hr. prior to study start filling bladder (4-8oz. glasses of water)
- X-Ray - no preparation
- Echo - no preparation
- Dexascan - no preparation
- Vascular Studies -no preparation
- Holter Monitoring/ Cardiac Event Recording - no preparation
If you have any additional questions, please contact our main office at (716) 631-2262 or toll-free at (800) 903-SONO
