Ultrasound

What is it?

Ultrasound, 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. It does not involve x-rays and is safe enough to be the standard test in Ontario to image babies before they are born. It cannot image bones or anything with air in it like stomach or bowel.

Where is it done?

In Ontario ultrasounds can be performed in hospitals or Independent Health Facilities.

Why important?

Ultrasound is a useful way of examining internal organs, including the liver, gallbladder, spleen and pancreas, kidneys and bladder. Because these images are obtained in real time, they can show movement of internal organs and tissue.

What to expect

This exam is easy and painless to have. A wet gel is placed over the patients skin surface in the area to be examined and then an imaging transducer is slowly moved over the area. This transducer sends signals to a computer which processes the data and produces the ultrasound image. A patient only feels a light pressure and the movement of the transducer over the part of the body being imaged.

Sometimes a probe may be placed in the rectum or the vagina to obtain a more detailed view of the genital structures.

How long will it take?

Most exams take about 30 minutes, but exams some can take longer.

Preparation

Little preparation is required for this exam and any preparation is dependant upon the organ or area of interest. Generally fasting may be required for evaluation of the gallbladder while water intake is often required for evaluation of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, prostrate and female genitalia. Patients are generally able to drive themselves home and no special care is required after a routine ultrasound exam.