Ultrasound

Getting ready for an ultrasound is pretty simple. Here’s what you can do:

1. Wear Comfortable Clothes: You can usually wear your regular clothes. Sometimes, we might give you a gown to wear.
2. Ask About Eating or Drinking: Depending on the type of ultrasound, you might be asked not to eat or drink for a few hours before the test. We will let you know if you need to do this when you schedule your exam.
3. Relax and Stay Still: During the ultrasound, you just need to lie down and relax. The technician will move a small device (probe) on your skin to take pictures. Staying still helps get good images.
4. Follow Any Special Instructions: We might give you specific instructions based on the type of ultrasound.
5. Ask Questions: If you’re not sure about something, don’t hesitate to ask questions. Our staff is here to help you.

Ultrasound appointments typically last 30-60 minutes from the time you check in for your appointment until you leave our center depending on the area being imaged.

Yes! An ultrasound are non-invasive imaging technique that uses sound waves to produce images of the body. A technician will place the handheld probe/wand on the area of the body being imaged. Sound waves pass through the body and bounce off of internal structures back to the wand. A computer than translates these echoes into images that can be viewed on the ultrasound screen.

Ultrasound is a versatile imaging technique that can provide detailed pictures of various parts of the body. Here’s what can typically be seen on an ultrasound:

1. Abdominal Organs: Ultrasound can visualize organs in the abdomen, such as the liver, gallbladder, kidneys, pancreas, and spleen. It helps identify abnormalities or conditions affecting these organs.
2. Pelvic Organs: In addition to pregnancy monitoring, ultrasound can examine the pelvic organs, including the uterus, ovaries, and bladder. It’s used to diagnose conditions like ovarian cysts, fibroids, or urinary issues.
3. Blood Vessels: Doppler ultrasound can assess blood flow and detect issues in blood vessels. It’s often used to evaluate the blood vessels in the neck (carotid arteries) or legs.
4. Heart: Ultrasound of the heart, known as echocardiography, can provide detailed images of the heart’s structure and function. It helps diagnose heart conditions and assess overall cardiac health.
5. Musculoskeletal System: Ultrasound is used to examine muscles, tendons, and joints. It helps diagnose conditions like tendonitis, muscle tears, or joint inflammation.
6. Thyroid Gland: Ultrasound can visualize the thyroid gland, helping identify nodules, cysts, or other abnormalities.
7. Soft Tissues: Ultrasound can assess soft tissues for abnormalities, such as masses or fluid collections.

It’s important to note that while ultrasound is a valuable tool for imaging, it may not provide as detailed images as other techniques like CT or MRI. Always discuss the results and implications of the ultrasound with your healthcare provider.

Doppler ultrasound is like a special kind of ultrasound that helps us see and hear the flow of blood in our body. We are able to see how your blood is moving through your body and check if everything is working well. Here’s how it works:

1. Seeing Blood Movement: Just like a regular ultrasound, it uses sound waves. But with Doppler, it can show us not only pictures but also the movement of blood inside our blood vessels.
2. Colors for Direction: Doppler ultrasound adds colors to the pictures. The colors help us know the direction of the blood flow.
3. Checking Blood Vessels: Doppler ultrasounds are used to check how blood is flowing in our more superficial arteries and veins. It helps them find any issues, like blockages or problems with the blood vessels.

Yes, ultrasound imaging is typically covered by health insurance when a healthcare provider has requested the exam.

Ultrasound imaging is a commonly performed imaging technique. The cost for the exam depends on your insurance coverage and area of the body being imaged. Gateway Diagnostic Imaging provides affordable ultrasound services at 12 locations throughout the greater Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Yes, we offer OB ultrasounds during the 1st trimester.  

It depends on the area we will be looking at with the ultrasound. Your provider might need you to fast for 8-12 hours before your ultrasound. Depending on the imaging need, having a full bladder or stomach can sometimes cause blurry images. You can still take your daily medications with water, as necessary. We recommend consulting with your center location before your appointment. Read more about how to prepare for your abdominal ultrasound.

Ultrasounds involve using sound waves to create images of the inside of the body, and the process is painless. Many people find ultrasounds to be quite comfortable, as they typically involve the application of a warm gel to the skin and the gentle movement of a transducer over the area being examined. If the part of your body being imaged is sore, you may experience mild discomfort. For transvaginal ultrasounds, the process is a bit different as the transducer may be inserted into the vagina. Read more about what to know about transvaginal ultrasounds. 

No, it is not necessary to remove hair around the body prior to an ultrasound. Be careful not to apply excessive lotion, oil, perfume, or powder to the area being imaged. 

Go for something comfy and loose-fitting. You may be asked to change into a gown for your ultrasound depending on the body part being imaged.  

This depends on the part of your body being examined. We recommend consulting with your imaging center for specific instructions about fasting. The presence of food in your stomach can affect how the ultrasound waves travel through your body, especially if we are imaging the abdominal area.  

A radiologist will first examine and write a report about your ultrasound images for your doctor. Your provider will review the results and let you know the next steps.  

During your appointment your tech will apply a small amount of gel to the area of interest for the ultrasound. This gel is necessary because it transfers the ultrasound waves between your skin and the transducer. It also helps aid the gentle movement of the transducer. The gel is non-irritating to the skin and will be cleaned off after the ultrasound. If you have a specific skin allergy you are concerned about, please let your ultrasound technician know.