Imaging

Ultrasound uses sound waves instead of radiation to help create highly-precise images of your organs and soft tissues. At Novant Health, we use ultrasound for a variety of diagnostic tests and treatments.  Ultrasound is an entirely safe method to examine the body and is our primary diagnostic tool for women who are pregnant.

Preparing for an Ultrasound Exam

Preparation for your ultrasound exam is determined by the part of your body to be examined.

• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for your ultrasound exam.
• Remove all clothing and jewelry from the area of your body being examined prior to the exam as these objects interfere with the quality of the images.
• The portion of your body that is being examined will be undressed and you may be asked to wear a hospital gown to cover yourself during the exam.

If you are being scheduled for an ultrasound of the abdominal aorta, kidneys, liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, pelvic area or for a pediatric exam, your physician may ask you to prepare by fasting or to consuming liquids in advance of your exam.  Please ask your doctor.

You may continue to take regular medications.

What to Expect During an Ultrasound Exam

Most ultrasound examinations are painless, fast and easy.

You will be positioned on an examination table lying face up. The radiologist or sonographer will apply warm water-based gel on your skin and then place the transducer, a hand-held device that sends and receives ultrasound signals firmly against your body, moving it back and forth over the area of interest until the desired images are captured. There is usually no discomfort from pressure as the transducer is pressed against the area being examined, however, you may feel pressure or minor pain if the transducer is performed over an area of tenderness.

After the examination is complete, the gel will be wiped off of your skin and you should be able to resume your normal activities immediately.

Results

A radiologist will review your exam images and report the findings to your doctor. Your doctor will then discuss the findings and next steps with you.