What Should Patients Expect When Getting an Ultrasound?
As with any type of diagnostic tests, some patients become nervous about the nature of the exam. Thankfully, ultrasound is one of those tests that should not cause a lot of patient anxiety.
Here is what patients should expect during an ultrasound exam:
o Depending on the area to be examined, patients may be asked to undress and wear a gown during the procedure.
o The ultrasound machine contains a transducer, video display screen and a console containing a computer and electronics.
o Patients will be able to view the ultrasound machine image immediately on a video display that looks a lot like a TV.
o The image itself is made by the amplitude, frequency and amount of time it takes for sound waves to return from the area being studied to the transducer.
o Technicians use a clear gel that is water based, which is smoothed on the spot where the body is to be studied. This ensures the transducer will will securely contact with the skin throughout the procedure, and it prevents pockets of air between the skin and the transducer.
o By pressing the transducer tautly on the body, the sonographer will sweep it over the area being studied to allow sound waves to pass over.
o A Doppler ultrasound is performed using a similar process and the same type of transducer.
An ultrasound machine exam usually takes 30 minutes, and it is a safe and painless procedure. If it is performed over a tender area, however, the patient may feel minor pain or pressure from the transducer. With Doppler ultrasound, patients may also hear sounds similar to a pulse as the blood flow is measured and monitored.
Once an ultrasound examination is complete, the patient may resume normal activities right away. Results are normally evaluated at the time of the exam, but may be evaluated further by another physician or radiologist.
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