Ultrasound at ZP
Zwanger-Pesiri uses state-of-the-art high resolution ultrasound systems at all nine of our locations to obtain images of internal organs and other soft-tissue structures inside the body. Our certified medical sonographers are dedicated to taking the time necessary to provide quality service to all of our patients.
What is Ultrasound?
Ultrasound (sonography) is a safe, painless and cost effective test that uses high frequency sound waves to view organs, tissues or blood flow inside the body. The sound waves that are produced during an ultrasound cannot be heard or felt. Both still and moving real-time images can be captured during an ultrasound.
There are no risks from an ultrasound scan. It is non-invasive and does not expose you to any radiation. Therefore, the scan can be repeated without any known adverse effects.
Ultrasound is useful for evaluating a variety of conditions including pain, swelling and infection. It can be used to examine internal organs such as the uterus, ovaries, kidneys, liver, bladder, heart and thyroid. In obstetrics, ultrasound is routinely used to assess the progression of pregnancy.
Color flow doppler ultrasound is utilized to visualize blood flow through blood vessels. An echocardiogram is another type of ultrasound exam that evaluates the heart, the heart's valve function, and the blood flow in both.
How does Ultrasound work?
Ultrasound imaging uses the principles of SONAR developed during World War I to track submarines. It began being used for medical purposes in the late 1940s.
A transducer is placed on your skin and pulses of sound waves are sent through your body. As the sound waves pass through the body, they produce echoes which the transducer receives and sends back to the computer. The echoes are analyzed and converted into images, which in turn creates real-time pictures on the monitor. This helps to determine the shape, size and composition of organs and tissues.
Since ultrasound records images in real time, it is especially useful for examining blood flow and guiding needle biopsy procedures.
What is Ultrasound?
When scheduling your appointment (online or by phone), provide us with your email address and we will send you your personalized forms with your information already filled in. You will only have to update or add any missing information. If your email address is not provided, you can still save time by downloading your ultrasound forms and completing them prior to arriving at the office.
Wear easy to remove clothing, as you may need to change into a gown. Wearing a comfortable sweat suit is optimal. It will keep you warm and it is easy to change out of.
The preparations for Ultrasound vary based upon the area of the body being studied. Some Ultrasounds require no special preparations.
Aortic/Abdominal
Nothing to eat drink, chew or smoke for six hours prior to your exam.
Breast/Scrotal/Thyroid
No preparation required.
Color-Flow Doppler
No preparation required.
Pelvic/Obstetrical
A full bladder is necessary for the exam. Have breakfast and/or lunch. Women must drink at least 32 oz. of water, finishing 1 hour prior to your exam. Men must drink at least 16 oz. of water, finishing 1 hour prior to your exam. Do not empty your bladder.
Prostate
Take a fleet enema at least one hour prior to the exam. Have nothing to eat or drink after the fleet enema.
Renal
Drink a 16 oz. glass of water one hour prior to study. Do not void.
Renal Arterial Study
Have nothing to eat, drink, chew or smoke for six hours prior to your exam. In addition, consult your physician before taking gas-X one hour before the exam.
Bring with you to your appointment:
- Referral slip from your doctor.
- Current insurance card.
- Authorization number from your insurance carrier.
- Any forms you completed at home.
- Credit card or cash for your insurance co-pay.
- If you have other Ultrasound studies from another facility, be sure to bring them with you. We like to compare the new images with previous studies to assist in the diagnostic process.
- Picture Identification.
Plan to arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time.
What happens during an Ultrasound?
Depending on the area being studied, you may need to change into a gown.
Before beginning the exam, the ultrasound technologist will confirm that any special preparation that may have been required was followed. You will then be asked to lie down on a comfortable padded examination table.
A small amount of a water soluble gel is placed on the area being examined. This gel is harmless and can be easily wiped clean after the exam. The gel prevents any air from getting between the transducer (ultrasound probe) and your skin. This direct contact between the probe and your skin helps the transducer to deliver sound waves into your body most efficiently.
The ultrasound technologist will place the transducer gently on your skin where the gel was applied and move the probe around slowly. Changing the direction or the angle of the probe allows the sonographer to get the best possible images of the organ or tissue being examined.
Once all the images have been recorded, you can wipe off the gel and you are ready to go.
What will I do when I arrive?
Present your prescription, insurance card and completed forms at the front desk. If any additional forms are required, they will be given to you at this time.
Be sure to inform the receptionist and technologist if you have any relevant studies of the same body area from another facility. We like to compare the new ultrasound study with any previous studies to assist in the diagnostic process.
When can I expect the results?
One of our board certified radiologists interprets your ultrasound images, compares them to any previous studies and dictates a report which is transcribed, proofread and signed.
The report is then faxed and mailed to your referring doctor within one or two days.
Your doctor will read the report and review the findings with you.
All of your signed reports and images are available to your referring doctor on our physician’s web portal.
Echocardiography
An echocardiogram (cardiac ultrasound) is a painless, non-invasive test that uses sound waves to study the structure and function of the heart. It is useful in evaluating the heart's chambers and the valves, as well as studying the blood flow through the heart. An echocardiogram can be used to evaluate such conditions as heart murmurs, mitral valve prolapse and congestive heart failure. Our advanced cardiac software allows our radiologists to visualize wall motion and the heart's ability to pump blood (ejection fraction).
After being positioned on the exam table, a clear gel is applied to your chest to help the transducer make contact with your skin. The technologist gently presses the transducer back and forth on your chest to obtain detailed images of your heart.
