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What is an ultrasound?
An ultrasound is a safe diagnostic imaging procedure, producing images from sound waves directed into your body from a transducer touching your skin surface. A warm, water soluble gel medium is used to eliminate air between the surface of the transducer and your skin.
Ultrasound does not depend on radiation or X-rays to produce images. Bone, air, and metals do not transmit sound and prevent adequate images from being made.
Is ultrasound safe?
Diagnostic ultrasound has been in use for over 25 years. The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine has issued the following statement in regards to the clinical safety of ultrasound: “No confirmed biological effects on patients or instrument operator caused by exposure at intensities typical of present diagnostic instruments have ever been reported. Although the possibility exists that such biological effects may be identified in the future, current data indicates that the benefits to patients of the prudent use of diagnostic ultrasound outweigh the risks, if any, that may be present”.
How do I prepare for this exam?
No patient preparation is required for the following ultrasound exams:
- breast
- fetal (after 14 weeks)
- scrotal (testicular)
- thyroid
- pleural fluid aspiration.
Dietary restriction, nothing by mouth for 6 hours prior to the exam, is required for routine abdominal exams and preferred for renal exams. These requirements may be modified or waived for emergency cases.
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