Appointments: (314) 996-5170
To schedule a Radiology procedure, please call Centralized Scheduling at (314) 996-5170. Same-day service is available for many procedures, as long as the necessary test preparation is completed.
What is an Ultrasound?
An ultrasound test is a procedure using high frequency sound waves to create images of the soft tissue structures (organs) in the body. During the test, a sonographer uses a hand-held probe (also known as a transducer) that sends out sound waves. The sound waves reflect off of soft tissue structures within your body. The transducer receives these reflections and creates a two dimensional image. No radiation is involved.
Why do doctors recommend Ultrasound?
An ultrasound exam provides non-invasive examination of soft tissue structures (organs) inside the body. Ultrasound may be used to detect, but not limited to, the following processes: gallstones, liver disease, kidney stones, abdominal aortic aneurysms, thyroid nodules, ovarian cysts, fibroid tumors and testicular abnormalities.
Ultrasound also is used to examine the fetus of a pregnant woman.
A specialized ultrasound study is a Doppler/Duplex exam to examine blood vessels and blood flow.
How do I prepare for my exam?
Depending on which test has been ordered, you may be asked to drink water (have a full bladder), refrain from eating eight hours prior to the exam or told no preparation is required. Wearing comfortable clothing is suggested.
What happens during my exam?
Before the exam starts, you may be asked to change into a gown and then lie on a comfortable cushioned exam table. The sonographer will then ask pertinent questions relating to the ordered exam to obtain a history of your symptoms or problems. The sonographer will then apply a warm clear gel to the skin to allow for smooth movement of the transducer or probe over your skin to eliminate air between the skin and the transducer. The exam is performed in real-time and the images are viewed on a computer monitor. Images are selected and stored by our computer system for review by our radiologists.
What happens after my exam?
A board-certified radiologist will read your Ultrasound exam (stored images) and the findings will be sent to the ordering physician within 24 to 48 hours.