Good To Know
What is Ultrasound?
Diagnostic Ultrasound is an imaging method that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of certain structures within your body. Ultrasounds are painless, useful procedures used for a variety of reasons including diagnosing some forms of cancer or infection and evaluating abnormalities within your body. Our specially-trained technologists use a device called a transducer during this exam, which when placed on your skin emits pulses of sound waves that parts of your body reflect back. All of this information is then sent to a computer which composes detailed images based on patterns created by these sound waves.
What Should I Expect?
Preparation depends on the area of your body which is being examined. Some exams mandate withholding food and drink for 4 to 8 hours prior while others require a full bladder. Our office will provide you with specific instructions to prepare for your exam at the time of scheduling your appointment.
For the duration of your Ultrasound, you will be asked to lie on a padded table wearing a gown we will provide for you. Your technologist will then proceed by applying a thin layer of gel to the area being scanned, and gently press and slide the transducer on your skin. The entire procedure varies from 30 to 60 minutes depending on which area of your body is being examined.
After your exam you can return to your activities as normal. Our highly trained radiologists will analyze your images and report the findings for you to discuss with your doctor.
FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
The duration varies depending on the type of exam being performed. Most ultrasound exams last around 30 minutes.
Depending on the type of exam you are having, you may be required to fast for a duration of time in preparation for your exam. Fasting decreases the amount of gas in your abdomen and gallbladder, allowing the organs to be accurately visualized. We may also ask that you schedule your exam in the morning. This is because your abdomen has the least amount of gas at that time.
All of the ultrasonographers on our staff are female.
If you are scheduled for a pelvic ultrasound, we may ask that you come in with a full bladder. This is because the bladder pushes the uterus in place where we can visualize it more clearly. In addition, liquid moves the intestines and bowel out of the way.
Yes. You may schedule and have a transvaginal exam while menstruating. Although if you feel uncomfortable, you have the option to reschedule
If you are under 25, we like to start with a breast ultrasound before a mammogram in order to not expose a patient to radiation. However, if we believe that a mammogram is necessary, we will recommend it.
Pueblo Radiology's Ultrasound Specialists
Gary Blum, MD
Medical Director, Santa Barbara Office
Irene Dansby, MD
Mammographer at Pueblo Radiology
Ulrike Hayward, M.D.
Radiologist at Pueblo Radiology
David E. Nunnelly, M.D.
Radiologist at Pueblo Radiology
Attilio Macrito, D.O.
Radiologist at Pueblo Radiology
Jennifer Kosek, MD
Radiologist at Pueblo Radiology
