Womens Ultrasound Imaging
Women’s imaging
Ultrasound
What is an ultrasound?
Ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging method that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of structures within the body. The high-frequency sound waves are concentrated into a thin beam and directed into the body with a small hand-held device called a transducer. The sound waves reflect off internal structures. The returning echoes are received by the transducer and then processed by a computer to produce real-time images. Ultrasound is commonly used to evaluate the abdominal and pelvic organs, breasts, thyroid gland, testes, as well as blood flow in arteries and veins.
What should i expect during an ultrasound procedure?
During the ultrasound, you will be positioned on an exam table and a clear gel will be applied to your skin. The gel is used to eliminate air bubbles between the transducer and your body, since sound waves travel very poorly through air. The transducer is pressed against the skin and moved back and forth to visualize the area of interest. It is usually painless, although you may experience some discomfort from the pressure applied by the transducer. The examination usually takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on the exam. You may return to your normal activities after the exam.
Preparing for an ultrasound
For most ultrasound exams no preparation is needed. However, if the organs in your abdomen are being evaluated, you may be instructed not to eat or drink after midnight or 8 hours prior to your exam. You may also be asked to drink several glasses of water 1 hour before your test and to avoid urinating, so that your bladder is full for part of the exam. You should wear loose comfortable clothing. You may be asked to change into a hospital gown.
How do i get my ultrasound results?
After your ultrasound is over, the images will be evaluated by one of our board-certified Radiologists with expertise in ultrasound imaging. A final report will be sent to your doctor, who can then discuss the results with you in detail.
Service Locations
Ultrasound is available at Alamogordo Imaging Center, Breast Imaging Center, El Camino Imaging Center, Northwest Imaging Center, X-Ray Associates at Farmington and X-Ray Associates at Santa Fe.
