ULTRASOUND

What is ultrasound and how does it work?
What is it like to have an ultrasound?
How do I prepare for an ultrasound?
How do I make an appointment?
Referral information for physicians.
Additional information on Ultrasound.

What is ultrasound and how does it work?

Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create pictures of the body. It works using a transducer, which sends sound waves into your body and collects them after they bounce off tissues. A computer collects these sound waves and creates an image of the tissues. Doctors look at these images to be sure that the body is working like it should.

Ultrasound exams are used on many different parts of the body.

For women only:

• Pregnancy-related ultrasounds:
• Obstetric Ultrasound - to see a developing fetus
• Sonahysterogram - looks at the uterus for things that could complicate pregnancy
• Amniocentesis - checks fetal development and potential genetic diseases (ultrasound is used to guide the needle that takes fluid from the uterus during pregnancy that is later tested)
• Breast Ultrasound - examines suspicious areas found during a mammogram or for a palpable lump that has been found

For everyone:

• Abdominal Ultrasound
• Carotid Ultrasound - looks at blood vessels in the neck to check blood flow
• Pelvic Ultrasound - looks at the bladder, reproductive system, and other pelvic organs
• Venous Ultrasound - looks for bloodclots and other abnormalities in the legs
• Ultrasound-guided biopsy - takes a tissue sample from specific sites in the body for testing

For children:

• Pediatric Ultrasound - checks for potential health problems in young children

What is it like to have an ultrasound?

Ultrasound is a painless, non-invasive test. A technologist spreads a layer of gel over the part of the body to be examined. The gel helps conduct the sound waves. The technologist then moves the transducer back and forth over the body. Images are viewed in black and white on a nearby screen. Depending on the reason for the test, it may take 20-60 minutes.

The radiologist, who is a doctor, will check to make sure the ultrasound images are usable. You'll usually be able to leave right after the test, and the images will be sent to your doctor.

How do I prepare for an ultrasound?

You usually do not need to do anything special. If you are having an abdominal ultrasound, you should not eat or drink within eight hours of the appointment. For pelvic ultrasounds of the bladder, you should drink 32 to 40 ounces of water before the procedure. When your appointment is set up, your doctor can tell you what you will need to do.

If you have an allergy to latex or may be pregnant, be sure to let the technologist know when you arrive.

How do I make an appointment?

You, or your doctor's office, can make an appointment by calling our central scheduling office:

Central Scheduling: 617-665-1298

To schedule an appointment, you must have a referral order from a primary care physician.
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Referral information for physicians

You can make a referral for your patients by calling:

Central Scheduling: 617-665-1298