What is an Ultrasound examination?
How is the Ultrasound examination performed?
What does the Ultrasound equipment look like?
How is Doppler different from Ultrasound?
How will I be notified about the results of my Ultrasound and/or Doppler exam?

What is an Ultrasound examination?
Ultrasound is high-frequency sound waves that have the ability to penetrate the body. A transducer emits waves of ultrasound that strike the various anatomical structures in the body. As the sound waves bounce back from the various anatomical structures to the transducer, a computer plats their position, size, shape and relative density.

This information is recorded as both real-time and static images that are interpreted by a radiologist (physician specialized in the interpretation of ultrasound images).

How is the Ultrasound examination performed?
You will be asked to lie on a cart during the examination. The technologist will place some warm gel on the part of your anatomy to be examined and then place a transducer in the gel so that images can be received. Images are produced as the computer analyzes the echoes.

What does the Ultrasound equipment look like?
The equipment consists of a transducer, a monitor and a cart that contains the electronics used to process the returning echoes. Most transducers are rectangular and vary slightly in size and shape. Transducers used to examine anatomy located in the pelvis are cylindrical so they can be inserted into the rectum or vagina. These transducers are small in diameter so they should not make you feel uncomfortable if used during your exam.

How is Doppler different from Ultrasound?
Ultrasound is excellent at imaging body anatomy, but it does not have the ability to measure the velocity of blood flow. It is important for your physician to know both the size of your arteries and veins as well as how efficiently blood is able to flow through them. So, both ultrasound and Doppler technology is used during your Doppler exam.

How will I be notified about the results of my Ultrasound and/or Doppler exam?
The radiologist will interpret the findings of your exam and have a report faxed to your physician with 24-hours. Your physician will contact you with the results.