Ultrasound
What is an ultrasound?
Unlike other diagnostic tests which use x-rays, an ultrasound, also called a sonogram, uses sound waves with a frequency too high to be audible.
How does an ultrasound work?
A liquid medium (gel) is spread onto the patient’s skin over the area of study. The gel optimizes the transmission and pickup of sound waves by eliminating air between the transducer and skin. A transducer is a small device, shaped like a microphone, which emits sound waves and receives returning waves or echoes.
Once the gel has been spread, the transducer is placed on the lubricated area. The transducer emits sound waves into the area of focus. When the waves encounter a border between two tissues that conduct sound differently, echoes will bounce back to the transducer. The echoes are read as data by a computer and transformed into images that appear on a small monitor. As the transducer moves along the body, the images will correspond with the changing placement.
Do I need a physician’s order to get an ultrasound?
Yes, your physician must order the ultrasound. If you are given a written order (script) for your test, bring it with you or the exam may be delayed.
I am scheduled for an OB scan. May my family members come into the scan room to see the baby?
Patients only will be taken to the scan room for the technical imaging. This will last approximately 45 minutes. One visitor will be taken into the scan room after the technical imaging is finished and given the opportunity to see their future bundle of joy. Scan pictures will be taken and given to you.
Appointments
Hours
Monday through Friday: 6:30 am to 4:30 pm
Saturday: 7:30 am to 3 pm