Radiology Group | Exam Descriptions | Ultrasound

Imaging Excellence in the Quad Cities Since 1945

Ultrasound (also called sonography) is an imaging exam that uses sound waves instead of x-rays or radiation to produce images of the internal organs and tissues of your body. During an ultrasound exam, sound waves bounce off organs and tissues like an echo to create pictures or images. These images can be viewed in "real time" on an attached computer monitor by your Technologist. "Snapshots" of the images are captured for your Radiologist to review and interpret.

Obstetric ultrasound is used for determining the condition of a pregnant woman and her embryo or fetus. It is valuable for establishing the presence of a live embryo or fetus, estimating the age of the pregnancy, diagnosing congenital abnormalities, evaluating the position of the fetus or placenta, determining multiple pregnancies, evaluating the amount of amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus, and examining the opening or shortening of the cervix.

Drink 32 ounces of fluid one hour prior to the exam. Do NOT empty your bladder before the exam.
You will be asked to change into a loose-fitting gown

During the first trimester, transvaginal and transabdominal ultrasound scans are routinely performed to provide detailed images of the fetus, uterus and ovaries.

Transabdominal scan: You will be asked to lie on your back or side on an exam table in a slightly darkened room next to the ultrasound scanner. Your Technologist will apply a water-based gel to your lower abdominal area. A hand-held device called a transducer will be guided over the entire length of your abdomen to obtain views of the uterus and the embryo/fetus from different perspectives.

Transvaginal scan: Instead of a hand-held transducer being moved over your abdomen, a transvaginal transducer is inserted into the vagina to provide images of the embryo/fetus, uterus and ovaries. You should not experience discomfort with this procedure.

The length of time required for an obstetric ultrasound is dependent upon your individual exam. When the exam is completed you may be asked to wait until the Radiologist determines if more images are required.

A Radiologist (a medical doctor specializing in diagnosing disease and injury using medical imaging technology) analyzes and interprets your exam within 24 hours. He/she dictates a Report of the findings and sends it to your physician. Your physician's office will inform you of your results. Due to the number of patients your physician serves, it may be 7 to 10 days before he/she is prepared to respond to your Report.

It is not possible for our office to determine individual coverage. Coverage for imaging tests is variable and depends on your insurance carrier, your plan, any exclusions, and sometimes the reasons for the examination. Prior to undergoing any imaging test, please call the number on the back of your insurance card to determine if it will be covered.

Contact us at (563) 359-3931

www.radiologyinfo.com
Ultrasound patient brochure (PDF)

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