In an ultrasound exam, a transducer both sends the sound waves and records the echoing waves. When the transducer is pressed against the skin, it sends small pulses of inaudible, high-frequency sound waves into the body.
How does an ultrasound scan work?
How ultrasound scans work. A small device called an ultrasound probe is used, which gives off high-frequency sound waves. You cant hear these sound waves, but when they bounce off different parts of the body, they create echoes that are picked up by the probe and turned into a moving image.
When used in an ultrasound scanner, the transducer sends out a beam of sound waves into the body. The sound waves are reflected back to the transducer by boundaries between tissues in the path of the beam (e.g. the boundary between fluid and soft tissue or tissue and bone).
What happens during an ultrasound?
The transducer sends high-frequency sound waves through your body. The waves echo as they hit a dense object, such as an organ or bone. Those echoes are then reflected back into a computer. The sound waves are at too high of a pitch for the human ear to hear.
Is an ultrasound painful?
A typical ultrasound exam takes about 30 minutes to complete. Its usually painless. However, you may have some temporary discomfort if the technician presses on an area that is sore or tender.
What is a disadvantage of ultrasound?
Disadvantages of ultrasonography include the fact this imaging modality is operator and patient dependent, it is unable to image the cystic duct, and it has a decreased sensitivity for common bile duct stones.
Do you have to undress for an abdominal ultrasound?
When you arrive for your ultrasound, you will be asked to undress and put on a light gown. Youll lie on your back next to the ultrasound machine. A technician will apply the gel onto your abdomen and spread it around using the wand.
How long does it take to receive results from an ultrasound?
How long will it take for my doctor to receive the results of my ultrasound exam? One of our board-certified radiologists will review and interpret your ultrasound results immediately. Your doctor will receive a written report and hardcopy images within 24 hours.
Can an ultrasound technician tell you results?
If your ultrasound is being performed by a technician, the technician most likely will not be allowed to tell you what the results mean. In that case, you will have to wait for your doctor to examine the images. Ultrasounds are used during pregnancy to measure the fetus and rule out or confirm suspected problems.
What does a patient have to do to prepare for an ultrasound?
General Ultrasound Preparation(Exam time: 30 min; visit time about 1-1/2 hours)Adults: Do not eat or drink eight hours before exam.Children: Do not eat or drink four hours before study or skip one meal.Take medications with a small sip of water.If you are diabetic, please take your insulin.
Do you have to take your clothes off for an ultrasound?
You should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for your ultrasound exam. You may need to remove all clothing and jewelry in the area to be examined. You may be asked to wear a gown during the procedure.
Do doctors call right away with bad test results?
If a normal or negative test result comes back, the physician can telephone the patient with the “good news,” and patients have the option of canceling the follow-up appointment. Although it is preferable to give bad news face-to-face, there may be times when giving bad news over the phone is unavoidable.