Sonography, another name for ultrasound imaging, employs sound waves to produce pictures of inside organs, tissues, and structures. A transducer, a handheld device that transmits sound waves into the body in brief pulses, is used to deliver the sound waves. These waves are delivered to a computer, which converts them into a visual image as they reflect or echo back from the inside tissues.
The reasons for pain, swelling up, and infection in the body's internal organs can be ascertained with the aid of diagnostic ultrasound. It may also serve as a guide for operations like breast biopsies. By examining real-time pictures of muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and cartilage, musculoskeletal ultrasonography is used to assess orthopedic and sports injuries.
You should dress comfortably on the day of the examination; when you get to the ultrasound exam location, you might be required to change into a gown. How to be ready for ultrasound examinations of particular body parts is described below.
| Body Part | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Abdomen | Nothing to eat or drink 10 hours prior |
| Aorta | No preparation |
| Bladder | 48 oz fluid completed 1 hour before exam time |
| Breast | No preparation |
| Breast Core Biopsy/FNA/Cyst Aspiration | No aspirin or blood thinner 3 days prior to procedure |
| Extremity | No preparation |
| Gall Bladder | Nothing to eat or drink 10 hours prior |
| Hysterosonogram | No preparation |
| Kidney | 48 oz fluid completed 1 hour before exam time |
| Liver | Nothing to eat or drink 10 hours prior |
| Pancreas | Nothing to eat or drink 10 hours prior |
| Pelvis | 64 oz fluid completed 1 hour before exam time |
| Scrotum | No preparation |
| Spleen | Nothing to eat or drink 10 hours prior |
| Thyroid | No preparation |
| Transvaginal Pelvis | No preparation |
Ultrasound is a safe diagnostic method with no known dangers or adverse effects and does not involve the use of ionizing radiation, special dyes, or anesthesia.
After the exam you can immediately resume your normal activities. A radiologist will analyze the ultrasound images and will share the results with the doctor who requested the exam. Your doctor will then discuss the results with you.