What is an ultrasound?

Ultrasound may be used to assess the size and location of organs and structures in the body. It can also be used to check the body for conditions such as:

• Cysts (collections of fluid)
• Tumors
• Abscesses (collections of pus)
• Blockages
• Fluid build-up
• Clots in blood vessels
• Infection
• aneurysm
• stones in the gallbladder, kidneys, or ureters

Ultrasound may be used to guide needles used to biopsy (the removal of a piece of tissue for testing). Ultrasound is also used to drain fluid from a cyst or abscess. There may be other reasons for your healthcare provider to recommend an ultrasound.

There is no radiation used and generally no discomfort caused by moving the ultrasound transducer over the skin.

Ultrasound may be safely used during pregnancy or in people with allergies to contrast dye, because no radiation or contrast dyes are used.

There may be risks depending on your specific medical condition. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider before the procedure.

Certain factors or conditions may interfere with the results of the test, including:

• Severe obesity
• Barium within the intestines from a recent barium procedure
• Intestinal gas

• Your healthcare provider will explain the procedure to you and you can ask questions.
• You may be asked to sign a consent form that gives your permission to do the procedure. Read the form carefully and ask questions if anything is not clear.
• Any preparation before the test, such as fasting (not eating) or sedation (using drugs to make you sleepy), will be determined by the specific area to be examined. Your healthcare provider will give you instructions if needed.
• Although the gel applied to the skin during the procedure does not stain clothing, you may want to wear older clothing, as the gel may not be completely removed from your skin afterwards.
• Based on your medical condition, your healthcare provider may request other specific preparation.

Generally, an ultrasound follows this process:

• You will be asked to remove any clothing, jewelry, or other objects that may interfere with the scan.
• If asked to remove clothing, you will be given a gown to wear.
• You will lie on an exam table. You will lie either on your side or on your back, depending on the specific area of the body to be examined.
• A clear, water-based gel will be put on the skin over your belly.
• The transducer will be pressed against the skin and moved around over the area being studied.
• If blood flow is being assessed, you may hear a “whoosh, whoosh” sound when the Doppler probe is used.
• Once the procedure has been completed, the gel will be wiped off.

While the ultrasound procedure itself causes no pain, having to lie still for the length of the procedure may cause slight discomfort, and the gel may feel cool and wet. The technologist will use all possible comfort measures and complete the procedure as quickly as possible to reduce any discomfort.

There is no special care needed after an ultrasound. You may go back to your usual diet and activities unless your healthcare provider tells you differently.

Your healthcare provider may give you other instructions after the procedure, depending on your particular situation.

The physician’s office who ordered the ultrasound for you will notify you of your imaging results. You may also access your results using the using the MyCovenantHealth online portal and app.