Learning more about your appointment with
Ultrasound
Ultrasound imaging uses a transducer or probe to generate sound waves and produce pictures of the body’s internal structures. It does not use ionizing radiation, has no known harmful effects, and provides a clear picture of soft tissues that don’t show up well on x-ray images.
Ultrasound is often used to help diagnose unexplained pain, swelling and infection. It can also be used to provide imaging guidance to needle biopsies or to see and evaluate conditions related to blood flow.
Please choose from the list below to learn more about your specific exam:
An abdominal ultrasound is used to examine your liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys and spleen.
Preparing for your appointment
What can I eat?
Nothing to eat 12 hours prior to your appointment.
You may drink water/clear fluids if necessary.
Before Your Exam/Test.
Take all prescribed medication as directed.
Please prepare for your exam by wearing loose-fitting comfortable clothing and refrain from wearing jewelry for your technologist’s convenience.
About your appointment
What to expect.
When you arrive at the hospital, you will report to diagnostic imaging for your appointment and check in with registration. You will be asked to wait in the x-ray waiting room until a technologist is prepared to assist you for your exam. When your technologist is prepared you will be escorted to the procedure room where the technologist or nurse will review or explain the exam.
You likely do not have to change prior to your exam, though you always have the option to wear a gown. The technologist will tuck a towel into your shirt, apply gel to your abdominal area and use a camera to take various pictures from your ribs to your belly button.
How long will it take?
Approximately 30 minutes.
After your appointment
Your technologist will remove the gel from your abdomen and then you will be free to leave.
Your radiologist will report the findings to your ordering physician within 1-3 days, who you may contact for the results.
A female pelvic ultrasound will look at your bladder, uterus, ovaries and appendix(if requested). This can also include a trans-vaginal ultrasound.
Preparing for your appointment
What can I eat?
No restrictions.
Before Your Exam/Test
Drink approximately 1 litre of water (approximately 4 glasses), finishing one hour prior to your appointment. Please do not use the restroom until your technologist has performed your scan.
Take all prescribed medication as directed.
Please prepare for your exam by wearing loose-fitting comfortable clothing and refrain from wearing jewelry for your technologist’s convenience.
About your appointment
What to expect.
When you arrive at the hospital, you will report to diagnostic imaging for your appointment and check in with registration. You will be asked to wait in the x-ray waiting room until a technologist is prepared to assist you for your exam. When your technologist is prepared you will be escorted to the procedure room where the technologist or nurse will review or explain the exam.
You likely do not have to change prior to your exam, though you always have the option to wear a gown.
The technologist will tuck a towel into your pants to protect your clothing, apply gel to your lower abdominal area and use a camera to take various pictures in the area surrounding your belly button, using your bladder as a window to visualize important anatomy.
How long will it take?
Approximately 30 minutes.
After your appointment
Your technologist will remove the gel from your abdomen and pelvic area at the end of your scan.
Your radiologist will report the findings to your ordering physician within 1-3 days, who you may contact for the results.
This scan will check your deep venous system in your arms or legs for a blood clot, otherwise known as a deep vein thrombosis or DVT.
Preparing for your appointment
What can I eat?
No restrictions.
Before Your Exam/Test
Take all prescribed medication as directed.
Please prepare for your exam by wearing loose-fitting comfortable clothing and refrain from wearing jewelry for your technologist’s convenience.
About your appointment
What to expect.
When you arrive at the hospital, you will report to diagnostic imaging for your appointment and check in with registration. You will be asked to wait in the x-ray waiting room until a technologist is prepared to assist you for your exam. When your technologist is prepared you will be escorted to the procedure room where the technologist or nurse will review or explain the exam.
The technologist will confirm the area of interests and may change you into a gown.
The technologist will tuck a towel into your shirt to protect your clothing, apply gel to the specified area and use a camera to take various pictures from your neck or groin to your area of concern.
How long will it take?
Approximately 15 per extremity being scanned.
After your appointment
Your radiologist will report the findings to your ordering physician within 1-3 days, who you may contact for the results.
This scan is used to view the glands in your neck and to assess any abnormalities identified by your physician.
Preparing for your appointment
What can I eat?
No restrictions.
Before Your Exam/Test
Take all prescribed medication as directed.
Please prepare for your exam by wearing loose-fitting comfortable clothing (especially around the neck) and refrain from wearing necklaces and jewelry for your technologist’s convenience.
About your appointment
What to expect.
When you arrive at the hospital, you will report to diagnostic imaging for your appointment and check in with registration. You will be asked to wait in the x-ray waiting room until a technologist is prepared to assist you for your exam. When your technologist is prepared you will be escorted to the procedure room where the technologist or nurse will review or explain the exam.
The technologist will confirm the area of interests and may change you into a gown.
The technologist will tuck a towel into your shirt, apply gel to your neck area and use a camera to take various pictures around both sides of your neck.
How long will it take?
Approximately 20 minutes.
After your appointment
Your radiologist will report the findings to your ordering physician within 1-3 days, who you may contact for the results.
An early obstetric ultrasound will check the location and wellness of the fetus as well as your ovaries.
Depending on fetal age, this test may require further scanning by means of a trans-vaginal ultrasound.
Preparing for your appointment
What can I eat?
No restriction.
Before Your Exam/Test
Take all prescribed medication as directed.
Please prepare for your exam by wearing loose-fitting comfortable clothing and refrain from wearing jewelry for your technologist’s convenience.
About your appointment
What to expect.
When you arrive at the hospital, you will report to diagnostic imaging for your appointment and check in with registration. You will be asked to wait in the x-ray waiting room until a technologist is prepared to assist you for your exam. When your technologist is prepared you will be escorted to the procedure room where the technologist or nurse will review or explain the exam.
You likely do not have to change prior to your exam, though you always have the option to wear a gown.
The technologist will tuck a towel into your pants to protect your clothing, apply gel to your lower abdominal area and use a camera to take various pictures to visualize important anatomy.
How long will it take?
Approximately 30 minutes.
After your appointment
Your technologist will remove the gel from your abdomen at the end of your scan.
Your radiologist will report the findings to your ordering physician within 1-3 days, who you may contact for the results.
An obstetric ultrasound in the second and third trimester can serve many purposes. Anatomical scan of the fetus (done around 20 weeks of gestation), biophysical profile for overall wellness, amniotic fluid assessment, and/or dopplers of the umbilical cord or fetal head, placenta or cervix.
Preparing for your appointment
What can I eat?
No restrictions.
Before Your Exam/Test
Take all prescribed medication as directed.
Please prepare for your exam by wearing loose-fitting comfortable clothing and refrain from wearing jewelry for your technologist’s convenience.
About your appointment
What to expect.
When you arrive at the hospital, you will report to diagnostic imaging for your appointment and check in with registration. You will be asked to wait in the x-ray waiting room until a technologist is prepared to assist you for your exam. When your technologist is prepared you will be escorted to the procedure room where the technologist or nurse will review or explain the exam.
You likely do not have to change prior to your exam, though you always have the option to wear a gown.
The technologist will tuck a towel into your pants to protect your clothing, apply gel to your lower abdominal area and use a camera to take various pictures to visualize important anatomy.
Based on your physicians request, a trans-vaginal ultrasound may be required to assess your cervix length up to 32 weeks.
How long will it take?
Routine scans are approximately 30 minutes per fetus.
Anatomy scans are allotted approximately 1 hour per fetus.
After your appointment
Your technologist will remove the gel from your abdomen and pelvic area at the end of your scan.
Your radiologist will report the findings to your ordering physician within 1-3 days, who you may contact for the results.
An arterial scan will provide information on the arterial blood flow of your extremities. This is a screening tool used by your physician to identify if there is blood flow issues related to arterial plaque build-up.
Preparing for your appointment
What can I eat?
No restriction.
Before Your Exam/Test
Take all prescribed medication as directed.
Please prepare for your exam by wearing loose-fitting comfortable clothing and refrain from wearing jewelry for your technologist’s convenience.
About your appointment
What to expect.
When you arrive at the hospital, you will report to diagnostic imaging for your appointment and check in with registration. You will be asked to wait in the x-ray waiting room until a technologist is prepared to assist you for your exam. When your technologist is prepared you will be escorted to the procedure room where the technologist or nurse will review or explain the exam.
You will be asked to undress from the waist down and you will provided a gown to remain covered during your exam (you will be asked to keep your undergarments on).
This test requires a technologist to place blood pressure cuffs on your arms and legs.
Once the test begins they will be inflated and a small amount of ultrasound gel will be applied to aid in monitoring the pulses in your ankles.
How long will it take?
Approximately 45 minutes.
After your appointment
Your technologist will remove the gel from your extremity and then you will be free to leave.
Your radiologist will report the findings to your ordering physician within 1-3 days, who you may contact for the results.
A small parts ultrasound is used to evaluate any lump, bump or area of pain as specified directed by your ordering physician.
Preparing for your appointment
What can I eat?
No restriction.
Before Your Exam/Test
Take all prescribed medication as directed.
Please prepare for your exam by wearing loose-fitting comfortable clothing and refrain from wearing necklaces for your technologist’s convenience.
About your appointment
What to expect.
When you arrive at the hospital, you will report to diagnostic imaging for your appointment and check in with registration. You will be asked to wait in the x-ray waiting room until a technologist is prepared to assist you for your exam. When your technologist is prepared you will be escorted to the procedure room where the technologist or nurse will review or explain the exam.
The technologist will confirm the area(s) of interest and may change you into a gown.
The technologist will tuck a towel into your shirt or pants to protect your clothing, apply gel to the area of concern and use a camera to take various pictures.
How long will it take?
Approximately 15 minutes.
After your appointment
Your technologist will remove the gel from the scanned area and then you will be free to leave.
Your radiologist will report the findings to your ordering physician within 1-3 days, who you may contact for the results.
An MSK ultrasound is used to assess the tendons that make up the rotator cuff in your shoulder. This test is used to identify any issues that may be affecting your range of motion.
Preparing for your appointment
What can I eat?
No restrictions.
Before Your Exam/Test
Take all prescribed medication as directed.
Please prepare for your exam by wearing loose-fitting comfortable clothing and refrain from wearing jewelry for your technologist’s convenience.
About your appointment
What to expect.
When you arrive at the hospital, you will report to diagnostic imaging for your appointment and check in with registration. You will be asked to wait in the x-ray waiting room until a technologist is prepared to assist you for your exam. When your technologist is prepared you will be escorted to the procedure room where the technologist or nurse will review or explain the exam.
The technologist will confirm the area of interests and may change you into a gown.
The technologist will apply gel to the area and use a camera to take various pictures which may require you to move into and hold various positions to best display certain tendons in your shoulder. This may cause some short term discomfort or pain. Express any concerns you may have related to any discomfort to your technologist immediately.
How long will it take?
Approximately 15 minutes.
After your appointment
Your technologist will remove the gel from your shoulder and then you will be free to leave.
Your radiologist will report the findings to your ordering physician within 1-3 days, who you may contact for the results.
A breast ultrasound is generally ordered as a focused study in conjunction with another form of imaging, such as mammography or an MRI. This test is used to assess and characterize any abnormalities identified in a patient’s breast tissue.
Preparing for your appointment
What can I eat?
No restriction.
Before Your Exam/Test
Take all prescribed medication as directed.
Please prepare for your exam by wearing loose-fitting comfortable clothing and refrain from wearing jewelry for your technologist’s convenience.
However, if you are having multiple exams on the same day, please refer to the prep instructions for that exam.
If you are over the age of 50 and have not had a mammogram prior to your breast ultrasound, follow their instructions in the chance that the radiologist deems one necessary.
About your appointment
What to expect.
When you arrive at the hospital, you will report to diagnostic imaging for your appointment and check in with registration. You will be asked to wait in the x-ray waiting room until a technologist is prepared to assist you for your exam. When your technologist is prepared you will be escorted to the procedure room where the technologist or nurse will review or explain the exam.
The technologist will confirm the area of concern and will ask you undress from the waist up and provide you with a gown to wear.
The technologist will apply gel to your breast and use a camera to take various pictures of the area of concern as well as your axilla (armpit) to check for any affected lymph nodes.
The technologist will likely review imaging with a radiologist, who may decide you require a biopsy. This can sometimes be done during the same visit.
If at any time during your exam you feel uncomfortable, please inform your technologist and they can reassess and take any necessary steps to ensure you feel comfortable with the care you are being provided.
How long will it take?
Approximately 30 minutes per breast undergoing the scan.
After your appointment
Your technologist will cover the scanned area and direct you to remove the gel at the end of your scan.
They will then leave the room to provide you with privacy.
Your radiologist will report the findings to your ordering physician within 1-3 days, who you may contact for the results.
A carotid ultrasound is used to create images of the blood vessels that carry blood to your head. This test is used to confirm and assess any arterial blockages.
Preparing for your appointment
What can I eat?
No restrictions.
Before Your Exam/Test
Take all prescribed medication as directed.
Please prepare for your exam by wearing loose-fitting comfortable clothing (around your neck specifically) and refrain from wearing necklaces and jewelry for your technologist’s convenience.
About your appointment
What to expect.
When you arrive at the hospital, you will report to diagnostic imaging for your appointment and check in with registration. You will be asked to wait in the x-ray waiting room until a technologist is prepared to assist you for your exam. When your technologist is prepared you will be escorted to the procedure room where the technologist or nurse will review or explain the exam.
You likely do not have to change prior to your exam, though you always have the option to wear a gown.
The technologist will tuck a towel into your shirt to protect your clothing, apply gel to your neck area and use a camera to take various pictures around both sides of your neck.
Strange noises are common as they are assessing blood flow going to your head.
How long will it take?
Approximately 30 minutes.
After your appointment
Your technologist will remove the gel from your neck and then you will be free to leave.
Your radiologist will report the findings to your ordering physician within 1-3 days, who you may contact for the results.
An ultrasound guided joint injection is used to locate and decrease swelling in a joint space with a combination of a corticosteroid (Depomedrol) and an anesthetic (Bupivicaine). Typically this involves Biceps Tendon or Trochanteric (hip) Bursa, but other joints can be injected.
Preparing for your appointment
What can I eat?
No restrictions.
Before Your Exam/Test
Take all prescribed medication as directed.
Please ensure your physician has prescribed you the Depomedrol, and bring it with you.
Any allergies to latex or local anesthetic must be communicated to your booking clerk.
Please prepare for your exam by wearing loose-fitting comfortable clothing (around your neck specifically) and refrain from wearing necklaces for your technologist’s convenience.
About your appointment
What to expect.
When you arrive at the hospital, you will report to diagnostic imaging for your appointment and check in with registration. You will be asked to wait in the x-ray waiting room until a technologist is prepared to assist you for your exam. When your technologist is prepared you will be escorted to the procedure room where the technologist or nurse will review or explain the exam.
Local anesthetic may be administered to the area to manage any discomfort to the patient. Once the area successfully anesthetized, another needle will be inserted into the joint space containing the medication you brought (Depomedrol) with a longer acting anesthetic (Bupivicaine).
How long will it take?
Approximately 30 minutes.
After your appointment
A ride home is required after this procedure.
You may experience slightly increased discomfort in the area until the Depomedrol has had time to take effect. Typically, your ordering physician will ask to maintain a log for how the area feels post-procedure, prior to re-assessing you.
A scrotal ultrasound scans your testicles and epididymis for size, blood flow and lumps.
Preparing for your appointment
What can I eat?
No restrictions.
Before Your Exam/Test
Take all prescribed medication as directed.
Please prepare for your exam by wearing loose-fitting comfortable clothing (around your neck specifically) and refrain from wearing jewelry for your technologist’s convenience.
About your appointment
What to expect.
When you arrive at the hospital, you will report to diagnostic imaging for your appointment and check in with registration. You will be asked to wait in the x-ray waiting room until a technologist is prepared to assist you for your exam. When your technologist is prepared you will be escorted to the procedure room where the technologist or nurse will review or explain the exam.
You will be asked to undress from the waist down and cover yourself with a sheet.
The technologist will apply gel to the area of concern and take pictures with a camera or both sides for comparison.
If at any time during your exam you feel uncomfortable, please inform your technologist and they can reassess and take any necessary steps to ensure you feel comfortable with the care you are being provided.
How long will it take?
Approximately 15 minutes.
After your appointment
Your technologist will cover the scanned area and direct you to remove the gel at the end of your scan.
They will then leave the room to provide you with privacy.
Your radiologist will report the findings to your ordering physician within 1-3 days, who you may contact for the results.
A trans-vaginal ultrasound is most often required to assess gynecological issues, but can also be used to assess cervical length in obstetric cases.
The advantage of this test is the ability to have the camera close to the areas of interest to provide the best quality images to your ordering physician.
Preparing for your appointment
What can I eat?
Before Your Exam/Test
Drink approximately 1 litre of water (approximately 4 glasses), finishing one hour prior to your appointment. Please do not use the restroom until your technologist has performed your pelvic scan.
Take all prescribed medication as directed.
About your appointment
What to expect.
When you arrive at the hospital, you will report to diagnostic imaging for your appointment and check in with registration. You will be asked to wait in the x-ray waiting room until a technologist is prepared to assist you for your exam. When your technologist is prepared you will be escorted to the procedure room where the technologist or nurse will review or explain the exam.
The technologist will discuss this procedure with you, obtain written consent, and give instructions to empty your bladder and change into a gown from the waist down.
An ultrasound camera will be covered with a latex cover (non-latex options are available to those with allergies) and a similar gel to what is used on the external exam will be applied to the instrument before insertion.
You will be positioned on the bed with your feet in stirrups and the camera inserted an inch or so into the vagina.
In regards to providing trauma-informed care, you may ask your technologist to allow you complete the insertion of the camera before the examination and scan begin.
The probe is then manipulated to obtain the necessary images of your uterus and ovaries.
Please note, if you do wish to proceed with the self insertion option your technologist will still need to manipulate the device once inserted in order to capture the necessary images.
You may experience some discomfort, but this should not hurt. If you do experience pain at any time during this procedure, please let your technologist know immediately.
If at any time during your exam you feel uncomfortable, please inform your technologist and they can reassess and take any necessary steps to ensure you feel comfortable with the care you are being provided.
How long will it take?
Approximately 15 minutes.
After your appointment
Your technologist will cover you and direct you on removing the gel at the end of your scan.
They will then leave the room to provide you with privacy.
Your radiologist will report the findings to your ordering physician within 1-3 days, who you may contact for the results.
A transrectal ultrasound is used to closely examine the prostate gland. It is often combined with a biopsy.
Preparing for your appointment
What can I eat?
No restrictions.
Before Your Exam/Test
Take all prescribed medication as directed.
Please prepare for your exam by wearing loose-fitting comfortable clothing and refrain from wearing jewelry for your technologist’s convenience.
You must complete a fleet enema 1 hour prior to your appointment.
About your appointment
What to expect.
When you arrive at the hospital, you will report to diagnostic imaging for your appointment and check in with registration. You will be asked to wait in the x-ray waiting room until a technologist is prepared to assist you for your exam. When your technologist is prepared you will be escorted to the procedure room where the technologist or nurse will review or explain the exam.
The technologist will discuss this procedure with you, obtain verbal consent, and give instructions to empty your bladder and change into a gown from the waist down.
An ultrasound camera will be covered with a latex cover (non-latex options are available to those with allergies), similar gel to what is used on the external exam is then applied to the instrument.
You will be asked to lay on your left side, and the camera will be inserted an inch or so into the rectum.
The probe is then manipulated to obtain the necessary images of your prostate and seminal vesicles.
You may experience some discomfort, but this should not hurt. If you do experience pain at any time during this procedure, please let your technologist know immediately.
If at any time during your exam you feel uncomfortable, please inform your technologist and they can reassess and take any necessary steps to ensure you feel comfortable with the care you are being provided.
How long will it take?
Approximately 15 minutes.
After your appointment
Your technologist will cover you and direct you on removing the gel at the end of your scan.
They will then leave the room to provide you with privacy.
Your radiologist will report the findings to your ordering physician within 1-3 days, who you may contact for the results.
An ultrasound guided biopsy is used to determine whether a lump is benign or malignant.
Preparing for your appointment
What can I eat?
No restrictions.
Before Your Exam/Test
Take all prescribed medication as directed.
If you are on blood thinners, the booking clerk will give instructions to you and/or your physician to temporarily alter your medication routine to accommodate this procedure.
Any allergies to latex or local anesthetic must be communicated to your booking clerk.
Please prepare for your exam by wearing loose-fitting comfortable clothing (around your neck specifically) and refrain from wearing necklaces for your technologist’s convenience.
About your appointment
What to expect.
When you arrive at the hospital, you will report to diagnostic imaging for your appointment and check in with registration. You will be asked to wait in the x-ray waiting room until a technologist is prepared to assist you for your exam. When your technologist is prepared you will be escorted to the procedure room where the technologist or nurse will review or explain the exam.
Local anesthetic will be administered to the area to manage any discomfort to the patient. Once the area successfully anesthetized, a needle will be inserted into the body to remove a sample of the tissue to be sent to the laboratory for analysis.
How long will it take?
Approximately 30 minutes.
After your appointment
A ride home is required after this procedure.
Pathology results typically take 7-10 days with the results being sent to the ordering physician and your family doctor (if applicable).
In cases of breast biopsies, ABHP will also receive a copy of your results.