General Ultrasound
What is it?
Ultrasound is a procedure that uses sound waves to generate pictures of many parts of the body. Ultrasound can detect diseased or damaged tissues, locate abnormal growths and identify a wide variety of conditions. Pictures are created by applying gel to the skin and moving a transducer, (also known as an ultrasound probe), over the body part being examined.
What to Tell us?
If you have diabetes or are pregnant.
How to Prepare?
You should arrive 10 minutes before your appointment time to complete all necessary paperwork.
Preparation will vary depending on the information your doctor needs and the type of exam you will have.
Wear comfortable clothing to your appointment. You may be asked to wear a gown for the procedure.
The preparations for an ultrasound vary depending on the body part you are having scanned.
If you are having an ultrasound of any Upper Abdominal Organ (Gall Bladder, Pancreas, Liver, Spleen) you are required to fast for 6 hours prior to your examination.
If you are having an ultrasound of your Pelvis, or renal system (including prostate, kidneys and/or bladder) you will need to have a full bladder for this exam. Please drink 1 litre of water and hold for one hour prior to your appointment. Do not empty your bladder until after the examination.
There is no preparation required if you are having an ultrasound of your Breast, Thyroid or Scrotum.
Bring any previous, relevant x-ray /ultrasound films with you to the appointment in case they are needed for comparison.
What does the procedure involve?
You may be asked to lie down on a table. Clothing over the area to be scanned will be removed. A special gel will be applied to the skin to prevent air from getting between your skin and the transducer. The transducer is then passed over the skin of the area being examined. The transducer generates and receives the high-frequency sound waves. The computer in the ultrasound unit processes and converts the resulting patterns into detailed images.
Normal activities can be resumed immediately after the test.
How long will it take?
General Ultrasound procedures can take up to 20-30 minutes depending on the examination required.
When my results be available?
Your results will be forwarded electronically to your referring Doctor and will be available with less than 24 hours. Your image films will be provided to you at the completion of appointment.
Vascular/Doppler Ultrasound
What is it?
A Doppler vascular ultrasound is performed the same way an Ultrasound is performed. During portions of the exam, you will hear sounds similar to a heartbeat coming from the ultrasound machine while we are listening to the blood flow in your vessels.
Doppler (Vascular) Ultrasound
Doppler ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to obtain a picture of blood flow through various vessels in the body. It is commonly used to image the carotid artery in the neck, or arteries and veins in legs and arms. It can detect diseased vessels and identify a wide variety of changing conditions.
What to Tell us?
- If you have Diabetes.
- If your Dr is querying a possible Blood Clot / Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).
How to Prepare?
You should arrive 10 minutes before your appointment time to complete all necessary paperwork.
Preparation will vary depending on the information your doctor needs and the type of exam you will have.
Wear comfortable clothing to your appointment. You may be asked to wear a gown for the procedure.
The preparation for a Doppler ultrasound varies depending on the examination your practioneer has requested. Please contact our friendly staff for the preparation that is specific to your examination.
Bring any previous x-ray films and ultrasounds with you to the appointment in case they are needed for comparison.
What does the procedure involve?
You may be asked to lie down on a table. Clothing over the area to be scanned will be removed. A special gel will be applied to the skin to prevent air from getting between your skin and the transducer. The transducer is then passed over the skin of the area being examined. The transducer generates and receives the high-frequency sound waves. The computer in the ultrasound unit processes and converts the resulting patterns into detailed images.
Normal activities can be resumed immediately after the test.
How long will it take?
Doppler Ultrasound procedures can take up to 40 minutes depending upon the examination required.
When my results be available?
Your results will be forwarded electronically to your referring Doctor and will be available with less than 24 hours. Your image films will be provided to you at the completion of appointment.
Musculoskeletal Ultrasound
What is it?
Ultrasound is a procedure that uses sound waves to generate pictures of many parts of the body. Ultrasound images of the musculoskeletal system provide images of muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints and soft tissue throughout the body to help diagnose conditions such as muscle tears, tendinitis, fluid collections, inflammation and ligament sprains. Images are created by applying gel to the skin and moving a transducer, (also known as an ultrasound probe), over the body part being examined.
What to Tell us?
N/A
How to Prepare?
There is no preparation involved for Musculoskeletal Ultrasound examinations. Please bring any previous, relevant x-ray /ultrasound films with you to the appointment in case they are needed for comparison.
What does the procedure involve?
You may be asked to lie down on a table. Clothing over the area to be scanned will be removed. A special gel will be applied to the skin to prevent air from getting between your skin and the transducer. The transducer is then passed over the skin of the area being examined. The transducer generates and receives the high-frequency sound waves. The computer in the ultrasound unit processes and converts the resulting patterns into detailed images.
Normal activities can be resumed immediately after the test.
How long will it take?
A Musculoskeletal Ultrasound can take between 20 – 30 minutes.
When my results be available?
Your results will be forwarded electronically to your referring Doctor and will be available with less than 24 hours. Your image films will be provided to you at the completion of appointment.