Ultrasound
Ultrasound is the use of high frequency sound waves to create images from within the body. By using these sound waves, images can be obtained of a variety of internal organs and structures. Ultrasound is utilized in studies of the major organs, the heart, blood vessels, and of course, in obstetrics where the unborn fetus can be observed.
We perform exams by using state-of-the-art equipment such as the ATL 5000 Sono CT and the HP 5500 Cardiac machine. Since all of our equipment is portable, most exams can be performed at the bedside, eliminating the need for transporting patients back and forth to our department. Our Ultrasound Lab is currently undergoing the accreditation process with the American College of Radiology. Our Sonographers are all graduates of accredited Ultrasound schools and are registered or registry eligible with the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers.
Ultrasound is used in a variety of clinical settings, including obstetrics and gynecology, cardiology and cancer detection. The main advantage of Ultrasound is that certain structures can be observed without using radiation.
The Ultrasound Department performs a wide variety of diagnostic and interventional procedures. Areas of particular expertise include Thyroid nodule diagnosis and fine needle aspiration and gynecological, obstetrical, vascular, cardiac and general Sonography.
Urology
- Detecting kidney masses
- Seeing kidney stones or kidney obstruction
- Checking for urinary retention
- Provide guidance for kidney cyst aspiration or transrectal prostate biopsy
Intraoperative Ultrasound
Ultrasound is a valuable tool in the Operating Room. It can be used to localize tumors, aid with inserting instruments, or a variety of other applications.
Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Measuring the size of the fetus to determine the due date
- Determining the position of the fetus to see if it is in the normal head down position or breech
- Checking the position of the placenta to see if it is improperly developing over the opening to the uterus (cervix)
- Seeing the number of fetuses in the uterus
- Checking the sex of the baby (if the genital area can be clearly seen)
- Checking the fetus’s growth rate by making many measurements over time
- Detecting ectopic pregnancy, the life-threatening situation in which the baby is implanted in the mother’s Fallopian tubes instead of in the uterus
- Determining whether there is an appropriate amount of amniotic fluid cushioning the baby.
- Monitoring the baby during specialized procedures – Ultrasound has been helpful in seeing and avoiding the baby during amniocentesis (sampling of the amniotic fluid with a needle for genetic testing). Years ago, doctors used to perform this procedure blindly. However, with accompanying use of Ultrasound, the risks of this procedure have dropped dramatically.
- Seeing tumors of the ovary and breast
- Obstetrical Ultrasound
- Level II Obstetrical Ultrasound
- Fetal Biophysical Profile
- Ultrasound Guidance for Amniocentesis
- Fetal Non-Stress Testing
- Pelvic (GYN) Ultrasound
- Ultrasound Guidance for Ovarian Cyst Aspiration
- Hysterosonography
Neonatal Sonography
- Evaluation of the brain (up to six months)
- Check for congenital hip dislocation or hip infections
- Evaluation of the spine in infants with sacral dimples
- Imaging of the GI tract including Pyloric Stenosis
- Cardiac imaging for infants with murmurs or suspected birth defects
Requesting Films
If your physician requested you to bring your films to your next office visit, please mention this to the radiology office staff when you check in, and your films will be ready for you shortly after your exam.
If anytime after your exam you need to borrow your films, please call our Diagnostic Imaging department at (954) 978-4186.