Hours
Monday – Friday: 7:15 am – 4:30 pm
Overview
Ultrasound is a safe, painless diagnostic procedure that utilizes high frequency sound waves to produce an image of various internal organs and structures within the body. There is no ionizing radiation involved. The sound waves enter the body, and then bounce back from the tissues and organs in a pattern to produce an image on a screen. These images are instantaneously transmitted onto the radiology's PACS (Picture Archive and Communication) system for immediate interpretation by our radiologists.
Types of Exams
The following ultrasound examinations are performed at Beth Israel Deaconess HealthCare-Lexington:
Abdominal Ultrasound
An abdominal ultrasound looks at the gallbladder, bile ducts, kidneys, liver, pancreas, and spleen. It also includes a view of the aorta and retroperitoneum.
Exam Preparation: Please do not eat or drink anything for six hours before the exam. Routine medications may be taken with water. If you are diabetic consult with your doctor.
Obstetrical Ultrasound
An obstetrical ultrasound exam looks at the uterus and ovaries, and at the fetus. The fetus is checked to be sure that its size is appropriate for its "age." The fetus is also checked to be sure the fetal anatomy is structurally normal.
Exam Preparation:
- You may eat regular meals prior to an obstetrical ultrasound exam.
- If you are less than 14 weeks pregnant drink 32 ounces of water prior to your arrival.
- If you are more than fourteen weeks pregnant there is no preparation needed.
- If you are scheduled for a Biophysical Profile, please eat a meal or snack one hour before the exam.
Pelvic Ultrasound
A pelvic ultrasound in females looks primarily at the uterus and ovaries, but the bladder may also be visualized. In males, the pelvic ultrasound usually focuses on the bladder and the prostate gland.
Exam Preparation:
You may eat regular meals prior to the exam. The only special preparation is to have a full bladder at the time of your exam. Therefore, you should drink 32 ounces of water (four eight-ounce glasses, or one quart), before the exam. Start drinking it one hour before the exam, having it completed 45 minutes prior to your exam.
The sonographer (technologist who performs the exam) will put a warm water-based gel on the skin surface. The gel helps to transmit the sound waves by excluding air. An instrument called a transducer, which is about the size of a microphone, will be moved over the skin surface by the sonographer.
When more detailed views of the uterus, ovaries or surrounding tissues are required, a special sterilized high resolution probe may be utilized by scanning through the vagina.
Small Parts Ultrasound
High resolution small parts ultrasound is most frequently utilized to evaluate for possible abnormalities in the thyroid and parathyroid glands, in the scrotum and testis, in the breast, and occasionally at other superficial sites of possible abnormality.
Exam Preparation: No special preparation is necessary.
Vascular Ultrasound
A vascular ultrasound exam looks at the blood vessels to see whether there are any areas of dilatation, narrowing, or blockage. The vessels most frequently looked at are in the neck, arms, and legs, including both arteries and/or veins.
Exam Preparation: No special preparation is necessary.
BIDHC-Lexington Also Provides These Types of Ultrasound Exams
- Nuchal Lucency (Early Risk assessment of fetus)
- Renal (Kidneys and Bladder)
What Will Happen in the Ultrasound Room?
Your doctor will order the specific ultrasound examination that he/she feels is clinically indicated. Upon entering the ultrasound room, you will be asked to lie down on an examination table. The Sonographer then will explain the examination she is about to perform. The part of the body to be examined will be uncovered. A sonographer will apply warm ultrasound gel to the skin surface which allows the sound waves to transmit into the body. The sonographer will move a small instrument called a transducer over the area to view and record images as necessary. Ultrasound exams do not hurt. But if you are already having some pain in the areas to be scanned, let the sonographer know if you are feeling discomfort. The average examination takes 30-60 minutes, depending on the exam ordered.
Who Will Do the Ultrasound Examination?
A specially trained licensed sonographer who is registered through the ARDMS (American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers). All staff are trained in adult and pediatric imaging.
Exam Results
Upon completion of the exam, your exam will be reviewed and interpreted by a radiologist from BIDMC or Boston Children's Hospital. Your doctor will be contacted with the results.
