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Melinda Graham awaits her next patient |
What is an Ultrasound?
Ultrasound, also called sonography, is the use of high-frequency sound waves to produce an image of structural anatomy inside of your body.
How does it work?
Because the body contains 90% water, sound waves can travel through the body just as sonar can travel through bodies of water. Each time a sound pulse enters the body and bounces off tissues, an echo (sound pulse) is sent back to the machine. The ultrasound machine uses the strength and timing of the returning echo to create an image.
How do I schedule an ultrasound?
Call the Diagnostic Imaging scheduling line at 970-871-2399.
What should I expect?
You will be asked to lie down on an exam table and gel will be applied to your skin. The gel is a conductor that carries the sound wave into the body. The sonographer will move a hand-held device called a transducer over your skin and an image will appear on the screen. The sonographer will record images for interpretation by the radiologist. You may be asked to hold your breath and assume various positions on the table during the exam. It is important for you to remain as still as possible throughout the examination.
Exam results
Your exams are interpreted by board-certified radiologists. The results of the study will be sent directly to your ordering physician who will share them with you.
Patient preparation
Exam preparation will vary depending on the examination your physician has ordered.
Abdominal/RUQ (liver, gallbladder, pancreas, biliary tract etc.). Do not have anything to eat or drink for 8 hours prior to the exam. You may take prescription medication with a small glass of water.
Do not have anything to eat or drink for 8 hour prior to the exam. You may take prescription medication with a small glass of water.
No preparation required.
The sonographer will contact you prior to your examination.
No preparation required.
- Echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart)
Adult: No preparation required.
Pediatric: Parents should bring a bottle, favorite blanket or sleeping toy and a pacifier. Please schedule the exam at naptime. Sedation may be required.
- Neck/thyroid FNA (fine needle aspiration)
No preparation required.
- Pelvic/transvaginal ultrasound
Drink 4 to 5 glasses of water within 15 minutes one hour prior to your appointment and do not empty your bladder.
- Renal ultrasound (kidneys and bladder)
Do not have anything to eat or drink except water prior to the exam. One hour before your appointment time drink 4 to 5 glasses of water within 15 minutes and do not empty your bladder. You may take prescription medication.
- Renal arteries (doppler ultrasound of the renal arteries)
Do not have anything to eat or drink for 8 hours prior to the exam. You may take prescription medication with a small glass of water.
- Retroperitoneal ultrasound (kidneys and bladder with pre- and post- bladder volumes)
Do not have anything to eat or drink except water prior to the exam. One hour before your appointment time drink 4 to 5 glasses of water within 15 minutes and do not empty your bladder. You may take prescription medication.
- Soft tissue ultrasound (neck/thyroid, breast, scrotum/testicles)
No preparation required.
- Vascular ultrasound (carotid, deep venous thrombosis for arms or legs)
No preparation required.