Your Ultrasound Exam: The Complete Guide

If you have an upcoming ultrasound exam, this guide from Southeast Medical Group will walk you through what the test involves, the different types of ultrasounds, what they can help diagnose, and how to prepare depending on which exam you are scheduled for.

What Is an Ultrasound Exam?

A diagnostic ultrasound is an imaging method that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of structures within your body. The images provide valuable information for diagnosing and treating a variety of conditions.

Benefits of Ultrasound

Ultrasound imaging offers several advantages over other diagnostic methods:

• No needles, injections, or incisions. The exam is completely non-invasive.
• No radiation and no known harmful effects. Ultrasound uses sound waves rather than radiation.
• Can capture soft tissue images better than x-ray, making it especially useful for evaluating organs and soft structures.
• Widely accessible and generally less expensive than other diagnostic imaging methods.

Types of Ultrasound Exams

Ultrasound can be used to evaluate many different areas of the body. Below are the types of ultrasound exams and the conditions they may help identify.

Abdominal Ultrasound Exams

May indicate blood clots, fluid in the abdominal cavity, gallstones, hernias, pancreatitis, kidney blockage or cancer, liver cancer, and appendicitis.

Aortic Ultrasound Exams

May indicate aneurysms, hypertension, and abdominal and back pain.

Cardiac Ultrasound Exams (Echocardiograms)

May indicate changes in your heart size, vascular strength, damage to the heart muscle, valve problems, and heart defects.

Carotid Ultrasound Exams

May indicate atherosclerosis, recent stroke, dizziness, vertigo, motor or sensory deficit, and aphasia or dysphasia.

Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Exams

May indicate joint effusion, ligament tears, abscesses and cysts, rheumatoid arthritis, and fractures.

Neck and Thyroid Ultrasound Exams

May indicate hypothyroidism, acute thyroiditis, thyroid and neck mass, and difficulty swallowing.

Pelvic Ultrasound Exams

May indicate PCOS, ruptured ectopic pregnancy, ovarian cancer, PID, fibroids, and endometrial hyperplasia.

Renal Ultrasound Exams

May indicate abnormal renal function, hematuria, kidney stones, urinary tract constrictions, and a dilated upper urinary tract.

Scrotal and Testicular Ultrasound Exams

May indicate a scrotal mass, orchitis, spermatocele, torsion, varicocele, scrotal pain, and infertility.

Thoracic Ultrasound Exams

May indicate chest wall abnormalities, pleural effusion, rib fractures, or chest trauma.

Transvaginal Ultrasound Exams

May indicate pelvic pain, intermenstrual vaginal bleeding, postmenopausal bleeding, the presence of polyps or fibroids, ovarian cysts or tumors, and ovarian cancer.

Vascular Ultrasound Exams

May indicate deep venous thrombosis (DVT), chronic venous insufficiency, or leaky valves in the veins.

Your Ultrasound Exam Preparation

Preparation instructions vary depending on which type of ultrasound you are scheduled for. Please follow the guidance below for your specific exam.

Abdominal Ultrasound Exams

No food or drink for 6 to 8 hours prior to your exam.*

Pelvic Ultrasound Exams

• No dietary restrictions.
• Please drink 16 ounces (2 cups) of water 1 hour prior to your appointment.
• Please do not empty your bladder once you begin drinking water.

Renal Ultrasound Exams

• No food or drink for 6 to 8 hours prior to your exam.*
• Please drink 16 ounces (2 cups) of water 30 minutes prior to your appointment.

Soft Tissue Ultrasound Studies

Please wear loose clothing that allows easy access to the area being scanned.

No Preparation Required For:

• Extremity Ultrasound
• Carotid Doppler Ultrasound
• Thyroid Ultrasound
• Scrotum or Testes Ultrasound

*Limited amounts of food and water are permitted for diabetic patients or to swallow medication. Please continue taking your prescription medications, if any.

For any additional questions about your ultrasound exam, please speak to our front desk staff.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ultrasound Exams