Sonography, or ultrasound, is a diagnostic study that uses sound waves to create images of various body structures. It is commonly used to examine the abdomen and pelvis and, since there is no radiation used, it can be done on a pregnant women, to assess the baby. Our obstetrical patients can receive a copy of an image of their baby to take home.

A hand held probe, placed against the skin, emits sound waves. The sound waves bounce off the structures in the body and echo back to the probe. These echoes are then converted into a picture that appears on a TV like screen and can be printed on film. With Doppler Ultrasound, the sound waves create images and sounds of your blood flow. It can detect narrow or blocked arteries or blood clots in the veins. 3D imaging may also be utilized to aid in your diagnosis.

reparation:

Abdomen Sonogram
(Including Gall Bladder, Liver, Pancreas, Retroperitoneum)

• At 6:00 p.m. on the evening prior, eat a light meal consisting of dry toast (with jelly if desired), water, tea, fruit (fresh, canned, or dried), and jello.
• Avoid all dairy products and alcoholic beverages.
• Nothing to eat or drink the morning of your exam.

Pelvic Sonogram
(Including OB, Pelvis, Renal w/ Post Void Residual, and Hysterosonogram if no recent Pelvic Sonogram available.)

• 30 oz. Of water or tea completed 1 hour before exam. Do NOT drink carbonated beverages.
• DO NOT VOID before exam is completed. You must have a full bladder.
• Visitors with pregnant patients may be allowed in the scan area after the technologist and
  radiologist have finished gathering study information.

Vascular Sonogram
(Including Non-invasive imaging of the Carotid Arteries, Extremity Venous, and Extremity Arterial)

NO prep required.

hat to Expect:

Prior to your exam, you will be asked to change into a gown. The technologist will begin by asking you a series of questions regarding your medical history. These questions may include:

• Do you have any pre-existing conditions?
• What symptoms have you experienced recently?
• History of any type of surgery?

Please feel free to ask any questions you may have.
You will lie on the exam table with the area to be scanned exposed. A non-greasy gel will be applied to you skin. The technologist will use a transducer (probe), moving it across the area to be examined while applying mild pressure. You may be asked to take a deep breath, hold your breath, or roll onto your side.

Some Pelvic Sonograms require transvaginal examination, to get close up images. You can empty your bladder before this test. You will lie on your back with your knees bent. You will be asked to insert a slender shielded probe covered with non-greasy gel into the vagina, just as you would a tampon. If you prefer, a female technologist will assist with the insertion. Any movement of the probe should not be painful.

During Vascular Ultrasound exams, you may hear a "whooshing" noise. This is the sound of your blood flowing. For Arterial studies of the lower extremities, cuffs will be applied at intervals on you legs and arm to measure pressures, similar to having your blood pressure taken.

fter the Exam:

You may resume your normal diet immediately unless you have been instructed differently by your physician.
Your sonogram will be interpreted by the radiologist who will send a written report to your doctor. Your doctor will explain the results to you.

ow to Schedule:

To schedule a procedure at our outpatient imaging center, the referring physician staff may contact our facility at
(785) 234-3451. Forms with patient information and prep instructions are available through our office.

ocation:

Our imaging center is located at:
823 Mulvane Street
Suite 1
Topeka, KS 66606
(785) 234-3451

Click on a link below to learn more about our imaging services, including preparation instructions and what to expect during your exam…

CT
Sonography
Diagnostic X-ray
Vascular Clinic
MRI Center of Kansas
Insurance Plans

Visit radiologyinfo.org for more information about radiologic procedures.