What is an ultrasound?

Ultrasound is a diagnostic tool that uses sound waves to see inside the body. It provides still pictures as well as live images of tissues and organs, enabling physicians to watch organs as they move and assess blood flow through vessels. Since no x-rays are used, there is no radiation exposure with ultrasound.

Ultrasound can be used for examination of many body parts, including the:

• abdomen
• thyroid
• chest
• brain
• obstetric
• fetal

 When is an ultrasound used?

Ultrasound is commonly used for OB exams to examine the health and positioning of the fetus. It also is useful in detecting swelling and abnormalities in organs, such as appendicitis and kidney stones. Ultrasound is used to identify cysts or tumors in the uterus, ovaries and prostate and identify clots in blood vessels or plaque buildup in arteries.

How do I prepare?

Preparation for ultrasound varies depending on the area of the body being examined. For most areas, there is no special preparation necessary. However, for best quality exam results, ultrasound of certain areas such as the abdomen requires an empty stomach, while other ultrasound exams, such as an OB exam, require a full bladder. You will be instructed when you schedule your appointment on the proper preparation for your exam.

Bring your physician's orders, insurance card and picture I.D. with you on the day of the exam. For your convenience, complimentary valet parking is available at the hospital's main entrance.  Family members are invited to stay in our waiting area for the duration of your procedure.

Click on your exam name below to view detailed prep instructions

Ultrasound Preps

What can I expect?

An ultrasound is essentially painless. A water-soluble gel is applied to the skin on the area of the body undergoing examination. A sonographer, a health care professional with special training in ultrasound technology, will glide a small device called a transducer along the area of study. The transducer sends ultrasound waves into the body. These sound waves are reflected off of structures inside the body. Information from the sound waves is captured, analyzed by a computer, and used to create an image on a monitor. The images or film are then sent for interpretation by a radiologist. On occasion, the radiologist may accompany the sonographer during the exam to view the image live.

When can I expect results?

Your diagnostic report will be available within three business days.  Please allow 7-10 days for your physician to receive and review your results. If you do not receive results within this 10-day window, please be sure to contact the physician who ordered your exam.

If you have any questions or comments about your experience in our Radiology department, please contact Radiology manager Brenda Downen at 309.268.5223, or brenda.downen@advocatehealth.com .

How do I schedule an ultrasound?

To schedule an ultrasound, call Central Scheduling at 309.268.5705.