The Center for Diagnostic Imaging Discusses How to Prepare for an Ultrasound

MIAMI, July 31, 2019 (Newswire.com) - ​Ultrasounds are safe; they do not use radiation but, instead, an ultrasound utilizes high-frequency sound waves that travel through the body and echo back to the machine. Ultrasounds are used to get accurate depictions of the liver, heart, kidney and abdomen area. According to the Center for Diagnostic Imaging, they are useful in detecting swelling and infections inside the body. 

Ultrasound waves can pass through fluids and soft tissues but bounce back on denser surfaces (e.g., when having an ultrasound of the kidneys, the waves will detect kidney stones by bouncing off of them).

During this, a transducer, which is a handheld device receives the echoes and sends them to the computer where the images can be seen. Different transducers are used on different organs to get a clear picture of the organ.

Sound waves of 2-18 MHz are used.

How do ultrasounds capture images?

High-frequency sound waves are used to get a picture of internal body parts.
They travel through the gallbladder, and they will only echo back if it hits a gallbladder stone. If someone is having an ultrasound of the heart, then the sound waves will bounce back if they hit a valve.

The denser the object, the stronger the ultrasound will bounce back.

Things People Should Be Aware of Before an Ultrasound

For the most part, ultrasounds do not require any advanced preparation, but there are some exceptions.

If someone is having an ultrasound of their abdomen, then they should not eat or drink anything for at least eight hours before the exam. Eating something will contract the stomach and creates gas, which makes it hard to get a picture of the internal organs. For children, it is advised to not consume food or beverages for at least four hours before the exam. 

If someone is having a Pelvic ultrasound, then they can eat normally. They will be asked to drink four to five glasses of water one hour before the exam, and they are required to not empty their bladder before the exam.

For a bladder ultrasound, they will be asked to drink 32 ounces of water one hour prior to the exam.

Before a transvaginal ultrasound, patients are required to drink a significant amount of liquid so that they arrive with a full bladder for the exam.

Conclusion

Ultrasounds are a noninvasive exam that is used to detect various diseases in the internal organs of the body. The Center for Diagnostic Imaging in Miami advises keeping the above points in mind when arriving for an ultrasound. The sonographer will be responsible for taking the images, but they are interpreted by a radiologist or a physician. The procedure does not generally take more than 30 minutes. For those experiencing pain, swelling or a lump, it is advised to go to a physician who will recommend an imaging test based on the specific condition.

About CDI: The Center for Diagnostic Imaging is one of Miami's leading diagnostic facilities. With over 20 years of experience, CDI has successfully provided the best services and results in digital imaging and patient care.

The center is owned and operated by a team of board-certified physicians and staff determined to be South Florida's premier imaging series. CDI is dedicated to serving the healthcare needs of the community through the use of the most highly advanced technology and techniques currently available within the imaging industry. As a premier imaging center Miami, CDI offers CT scan Miami, mammogram Miami, and MRI Miami beach.

For more information on or to set up an appointment with The Center for Diagnostic Imaging, call 1-800-371-0002. 

Source: The Center for Diagnostic Imaging