Procedures - Ultrasound What is it and How Does it Work? | Types of Procedures What to Expect During an Exam The clinical staff in the Department of Ultrasound provides a broad spectrum of routine and specialized sonographic procedures. Board certified radiologists interpret all ultrasound examinations. What Is Ultrasound and How Does it Work? Ultrasound imaging utilizes ultra-high frequency sound waves (2-12 MHz), and complex computer processing to produce an image of internal organs and anatomy. As no ionizing radiation is employed, the technology is safe and is frequently used in pregnancy and pediatrics. top of page Ultrasound Procedures Here are some of the procedures where Ultrasound is used: General Diagnostic Ultrasound Renal (Kidney) Ultrasound Thyroid Ultrasound General Diagnostic Ultrasound General diagnostic ultrasound is used by all radiologists to obtain diagnostic and function information related to organs in your body. It is primarily used to evaluate the pelvic region, abdomen, breast, testicles, prostate and thyroid glands. How to prepare for a General Diagnostic Ultrasound Eat a fat-free dinner the night before your exam, but do not eat or drink anything after midnight. A small amount of clear liquid may be taken with oral medication if needed before your appointment. Morning appointments are recommended. No preparation is required for hernia ultrasound. To avoid delay or rescheduling of your abdominal ultrasound examination: Follow dietary preparation instructions carefully. Arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time to register for your test. Plan for about 30 minutes to complete your exam. back to ultrasound procedures top of page Renal (kidney) Ultrasound Renal (kidney) ultrasound is used to identify tumors and other medical problems with the kidneys. How to prepare for a Renal (Kidney) Ultrasound Finish drinking 2 glasses (16 ounces total) of water one hour prior to your appointment time. Do not empty your bladder prior to the exam. To avoid delay or rescheduling of your kidney ultrasound examination, follow preparation instructions carefully: Arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time to register for your test. Plan for about 20 minutes to complete your exam. Renal vascular ultrasound examinations may take up to 1 hour. back to ultrasound procedures top of page Thyroid Ultrasound Thyroid ultrasound is used to evaluate the size, shape and blood vessels of the gland. The ultrasound will reveal abnormalities such as nodules (lumps) or cysts (lumps with fluid). back to ultrasound procedures top of page What to Expect During an Ultrasound Exam Most ultrasound images are obtained by gently pressing and rolling a hand held transducer (probe) over areas of the body with a warm gel utilized to improve sound wave propagation. To best visualize images, ultrasound examinations are performed in a dimly lit room. Images and information are collected by a registered sonographer (technologist) and interpreted by a board certified radiologist. top of page