Ultrasound

Ultrasound is a simple, safe, painless diagnostic procedure that bounces high-frequency sound waves off parts of the body and captures the returning “echoes” as images. There is no injection or radiation exposure associated with ultrasound.

Desert Rose offers many different types of ultrasound exams. Ultrasound is able to capture moving images of pelvic and abdominal function (including gallstones), breast abnormalities, the male reproductive system, the kidney and thyroid systems, as well as the developing fetus, among other applications. When enhanced with a special Doppler technique, ultrasound can also capture moving blood images of large blood vessels and moving images of the heart using echocardiography.

What is Ultrasound?

Ultrasound imaging, also called ultrasound scanning or sonography, is a method of obtaining images from inside the human body through the use of high-frequency sound waves. The reflected sound wave echoes are recorded and displayed as a real-time visual image. No ionizing radiation (x-ray) is involved in ultrasound imaging. Obstetric ultrasound refers to the specialized use of sound waves to visualize and thus determine the condition of a pregnant woman and her embryo or fetus.

Ultrasound is a useful way of examining many of the body's internal organs, including but not limited to the heart, liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, kidneys and bladder. Because ultrasound images are captured in real time, they can show movement of internal tissues and organs and enable physicians to see blood flow and heart valve functions. This can help to diagnose a variety of heart conditions and to assess damage after a heart attack or other illness.

Ultrasound: Gallbladder

Pelvic Ultrasound

A pelvic ultrasound is more specific than a general abdominal ultrasound and it may be done for many reasons.  When a pelvic ultrasound is done, it is either done from a gynecologic perspective or to assess a pregnancy.  Some physicians order an obstetric ultrasound only when an abnormality is suspected, while others advocate screening ultrasounds during a pregnancy. 

Gynecologic:

How Should I Prepare the Day of the Procedure?

You should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for your ultrasound exam. Other preparation depends on the type of examination you will have. For some scans your doctor may instruct you not to eat or drink for as many as 12 hours before your appointment. For others you may be asked to drink up to six glasses of water two hours prior to your exam and avoid urinating so that your bladder is full when the scan begins.

What Can You Expect During the Ultrasound Exam? During the exam, you will lie comfortably on a cushioned table. Technologists will apply a warm gel to the area of interest and a small transducer will be placed against your skin. An ultrasound is painless and in general only takes 30 to 45 minutes.

Ultrasound: Liver

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