Jacksonville Ultrasound Imaging
An ultrasound scan produces diagnostic images of the inside of a patient's body using a safe and painless screening technique. A selected part of the body is exposed to high-frequency sound waves to capture pictures of the structure and movement of internal organs (or an unborn baby) or blood flow. Ultrasound imaging is a non-invasive exam that does not use ionizing radiation or x-ray, so it is often the preferred method of scanning the abdomen, gallbladder, kidneys, pelvis, breasts, thyroid, or testicles. Results can be used to determine changes in the appearance of soft tissues, internal organs, or blood flow through targeted vessels.
Ultrasound examinations are helpful to diagnose a variety of medical conditions, such as pain, swelling or infection, as well as to assess internal damage following an illness or to detect tumors or other abnormal masses inside the body. The scanning equipment will include a console, a video monitor and a transducer, which is a small hand-held device that emits inaudible sound waves and receives echoes to produce immediate images. Although images are captured in real-time, a radiologist may need to evaluate your results and forward a report to your physician.
The length of your scan will depend upon the type of ultrasound exam being ordered. Generally speaking, the imaging of internal organs take 30 minutes or less and Doppler exams (blood vessel) or obstetrical ultrasounds take 45 minutes or more. You may or may not be given a hospital gown to wear, but either way it is advisable to wear comfortable clothes the day of your scan. Preparation for your examination will depend upon the type of imaging ordered but it is important to follow all pre-screening instructions. Typically, there is no discomfort as a warm hypoallergenic gel is rubbed over the area to be scanned and the transducer is gently rotated in circular motions.
NOTE: Follow-up screenings may be necessary for additional views, and your doctor will explain why another scan or a special imaging technique is being requested.
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