Ultrasound imaging, also called sonography, is a noninvasive exam that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce moving pictures of the inside of the body. As no radiation is used, this technology is very safe and is frequently used during pregnancy.
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Ultrasound Exams at TRA
TRA performs general diagnostic, obstetrical and high risk obstetrical ultrasound exams. TRA’s registered diagnostic ultrasonographers have the advanced training necessary in order to perform your exam skillfully while ensuring your comfort and privacy.
The images obtained during your ultrasound exam will be reviewed and interpreted by a board-certified radiology physician who then reports his or her findings to your physician. TRA is accredited by the American College of Radiology for general, gynecological, and obstetrical ultrasound imaging services.
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Find TRA locations for Ultrasound
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What is Ultrasound and How Does It Work?
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Ultrasound imaging is a noninvasive exam that uses ultra-high frequency sound waves and complex computer processing to produce images of internal organs and anatomy. Because ultrasound images are captured in real-time, they can show the structure and movement of the body's internal organs, as well as blood flowing through the vessels.
When a sound wave strikes an object, it bounces back, or echoes. By measuring these echo waves it is possible to determine how far away the object is and its size, shape, and whether the object is solid, filled with fluid, or both. This is why ultrasound is an important diagnostic tool.
General diagnostic ultrasound is an imaging technology which uses sound waves to obtain pictures of the inside of your body. It is primarily used to evaluate the pelvic region, abdomen, testicles and thyroid glands.
Obstetrical ultrasound is used to obtain pictures and corresponding measurements to evaluate the anatomic growth and physiological characteristics of the fetus. High risk OB ultrasound is also used to assess and monitor complex pregnancy and atypical fetal characteristics.
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What to Expect During an Ultrasound Exam
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First, it is important to know that ultrasound exams are generally painless. They use no radiation, dyes, or magnets, and are considered extremely safe.
Depending on what part of your body is being scanned, you may be asked to put on a gown. Although most ultrasound exams require no special preparation, you may be asked to drink a quantity of water or to refrain from eating. Be sure to check the preparation requirements for your particular ultrasound procedure.
Your ultrasound exam will be performed by a registered diagnostic ultrasonographer who has the special training necessary to perform your exam. The images obtained during your exam will then be reviewed and interpreted by a radiology physician at TRA who then reports his or her findings to your physician.
Types of Ultrasound Exams
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Abdominal ultrasound
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Abdominal ultrasound includes scanning of the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, aorta and spleen. This examination is most frequently used to evaluate abdominal pain, abnormal liver function, enlarged abdominal organs, fluid in the peritoneal cavity (ascites), or stones in the gallbladder and kidney. Ultrasound may also be used to diagnose pyloric stenosis, a cause of infantile projectile vomiting.
For abdominal ultrasound, the sonographer applies water-soluble gel to the upper abdomen, presses a transducer (a hand-held scanning device) against your skin and moves it back and forth over the area of interest. The gel helps with the transmission of the sound waves.
You will most likely lie on your back for the exam, but you may be asked to roll onto one side or the other during the examination. You may be asked to hold your breath briefly.
- Eat a fat-free dinner the night before your exam, but do not eat or drink anything after midnight. Please see Fat Free Diet for more information about this diet. If needed, a small amount of clear liquid may be taken with oral medication before your appointment. Morning appointments are recommended.
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Abdominal aortic ultrasound
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An ultrasound of the abdominal aorta is a non-invasive, painless exam that images the aorta, the main blood vessel leading away from the heart. This exam can help determine the size, shape and course of the aorta, and is useful in screening for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) is a widening, stretching or ballooning of the aorta that can lead to rupture. Ultrasound imaging is considered an accurate and reliable test for detecting abdominal aorta aneurysms before rupture.
You are considered at risk for abdominal aorta aneurysm if you have hypertension (high blood pressure), a history of smoking, peripheral vascular disease, or the presence of peripheral arterial aneurysm. TRA offers AAA ultrasound screening at TRA-on Cedar, TRA-on Lilly and TRA-Lakewood.
Note for Medicare patients:
Medicare covers a one-time only ultrasound screening for AAA as part of their Welcome to Medicare physical. A patient who qualifies for ultrasound screening cannot have previously had an AAA screen under the Medicare program, and:
- Has a family history of AAA, or
- Is a man aged 65-75 who has smoked at least 100 cigarettes in his lifetime, or
- Who manifests other risk factors in a beneficiary category recommended for screening by the United States Preventative Services Task Force regarding AAA.
- No special preparation is required for this exam.
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Hysterosonogram
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Hysterosonogram is an ultrasound of the inside of the uterus. For hysterosonography, sterile saline is injected into the cavity of the uterus, distending or enlarging it. The saline outlines the endometrium (the lining of the uterine cavity) and allows for clear visualization and measurement of any polyps or masses within the uterus.
You may be asked to wear a gown during the procedure.
A baseline pelvic/transvaginal ultrasound procedure is often performed first. Hysterosonography is then performed for a more in-depth investigation of abnormalities and their potential causes.
Following the baseline exam, the transvaginal probe will be removed, and a sterile speculum will be inserted. You will be lying on your back with your knees bent or your feet in stirrups, similar to a gynecologic exam. The cervix will be cleansed, and a catheter will be inserted into the uterine cavity. Once the catheter is in place, the speculum will be removed, and the transvaginal probe will be re-inserted into the vagina. Sterile saline will then be injected through the catheter into the uterine cavity as ultrasound is being performed.
- In most cases, it is best to schedule your hysterosonogram for one week after your menstrual period. Your doctor may suggest a different time for the exam, depending on your symptoms. Hysterosonography should not be performed if you are pregnant.
No special preparation is required for your hysterosonogram. You may be advised to take an over-the-counter medication, such as Tylenol, Motrin, Advil, Aleve or other non-aspirin pain relievers shortly before the procedure to minimize discomfort.
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Obstetrical Ultrasound
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Obstetrical (OB) ultrasound, also called fetal ultrasound, is most often used to determine the date a baby is due and track it’s growth. OB ultrasound may also be used to determine a baby's position or to determine if there is more than one fetus.
Biophysical profile is used to assess fetal well-being and includes evaluation of amniotic fluid volume, fetal respirations, fetal body and extremity movement and tone. The examination is usually performed in the third trimester of pregnancy.
High-risk obstetrical ultrasound is used to assess and monitor complex pregnancy and atypical fetal characteristics.
Depending on the fetus’s age, obstetrical ultrasound may show heartbeat and body movements. If the fetus is in the right position, the sex can be determined, but not always. Ultrasound can also detect some birth defects.
For your obstetrical ultrasound scanning, you will lie on your back on a scanning bed with your abdomen exposed. The sonographer will apply water-soluble gel to help with the transmission of the sound waves. The sonographer presses a transducer (a hand-held scanning device) against your skin and moves it back and forth. The images and measurements are reviewed by a radiologist.
Patients interested in a memento of their OB examination may choose between a still picture or video tape of their unborn child. If you want a video tape, you must request it before the exam and provide a VHS tape.
Please note, we must limit participation at obstetrical ultrasound appointments to the “mother-to-be” and one supportive partner. Thank you for your understanding.
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Pelvic/transvaginal ultrasound
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Pelvic ultrasound is most frequently used to evaluate pelvic pain, abnormal vaginal bleeding, inflammatory disease, or detection of a mass. The sonographer will apply water-soluble gel to the abdomen, press a transducer (a hand-held scanning device) against your skin and move it back and forth over the pelvic area. This gel helps with the transmission of the sound waves. In some patients, transvaginal ultrasound may be necessary to provide a complete analysis of the ovaries and uterine endometrial lining.
The decision to use transvaginal ultrasound is usually determined by the radiologist following pelvic ultrasound. Transvaginal ultrasound involves the insertion of the transducer into the vagina after the patient empties her bladder. Patients usually insert the probe themselves, but can be assisted. The images are obtained from different orientations to get the best views of the uterus and ovaries. Transvaginal ultrasound is usually performed with the patient lying on her back with her feet in stirrups similar to a gynecologic exam.
Pelvic ultrasound generally requires a full bladder and is performed with the patient lying flat on a padded table. Transvaginal ultrasound testing requires the patient to empty their bladder in the restroom and return to the scanning room for the examination. Patients are asked to disrobe from the waist down and lie down with hips elevated by folded towels or a foam pad.
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Renal (kidney) ultrasound
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Renal ultrasound is frequently used to evaluate kidney dysfunction, urinary tract infection, blood in the urine (hematuria), or kidney stones. Renal vascular ultrasound (also called renal artery duplex) can be helpful in the evaluation of high blood pressure.
For your renal ultrasound, the sonographer will apply water-soluble gel, press a transducer (a hand-held scanning device) against your skin and move it back and forth over the flank. The bladder is also evaluated by scanning the lower pelvis.
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Testicular ultrasound
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Testicular ultrasound is generally used to evaluate scrotal pain, mass or swelling. Ultrasound techniques also provide information concerning testicular blood flow. Ultrasound is a valuable tool for evaluating the epidiymis (a tube that collects sperm made by the testicles) and the prostate. It can also be used to look for and locate an undescended testicle.
Patients are asked to disrobe from the waist down. The patient will be covered with a sheet except during scanning. Folded towels are placed to cover the penis and lift the scrotum. Scanning is generally performed by the songrapher using gel and a small transducer. The radiologist may also examine the patient.
- Testicular ultrasound does not require any special preparation.
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Vascular ultrasound
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Vascular ultrasound provides pictures of the body's veins and arteries. It may be used to locate and identify blockages (stenosis) and abnormalities, detect blood clots (deep venous thrombosis) or enlarged arteries (aneurysm), assess a patient is a good candidate for a procedure such as angioplasty, evaluate the success of procedures that graft or bypass blood vessels, and determine the source and severity of varicose veins.
For vascular ultrasound, you will be positioned on a padded table and the sonographer will apply water-soluble gel to the area to be examined. This gel helps with the transmission of the sound waves. The sonographer presses a transducer (a hand-held scanning device) against your skin and moves it back and forth over the area of interest.
- Generally, vascular ultrasound does not require any special preparation. However, if abdominal vessels are being examined, you may be asked to fast for 12 hours before your exam.
