Ultrasound
Ultrasonography uses high frequency sound waves to aid in the diagnosis of numerous conditions and diseases. A device called a transducer is passed over the skin of the area to be examined, generating a series of images for analysis. Ultrasound does not use ionizing radiation, has no known harmful effects, and provides a clear picture of soft tissues that can remain ambiguous on X-rays.
Continually advancing.
Ultrasound is a truly versatile exam, able to produce real-time images of the body for a variety of clinical uses. It’s often used to help diagnose unexplained pain, swelling and infection, or to provide imaging guidance to needle biopsies or identify conditions related to blood flow. Our skilled technologists work quickly and accurately to perform your exam on state-of-the-art ultrasonography equipment. And as part of our commitment to provide the latest in imaging, we now offer liver elastography at our Greenville location. This breakthrough exam gathers vital information for the management and treatment of liver disease. And as always with Eastern Radiologists, images are interpreted by our experienced team of board-certified, fellowship trained radiologists.
Frequently Asked Questions
A full bladder pushes the uterus in a position where we can see it better, and improves visualization of the entire pelvis including the uterus and ovaries. It also can displace the bowel from the area to be imaged, improving visualization of pelvic structures.
Fasting decreases the amount of gas in the abdomen and allows the gallbladder to be adequately visualized. The gallbladder contracts when you eat or drink.
Your abdomen has the least amount of gas in the morning.
No. Ultrasound uses sound waves.
Not necessarily. Each modality has its strengths. Sometimes it is necessary to image with different modalities in different ways to achieve the best diagnosis. An ultrasound is what your doctor’s office has ordered at this time.
Schedule an Appointment
Please have your doctor schedule your appointment for this service. If you have questions about your appointment or need to reschedule call 252.752.5000. This service is offered at the following locations:
Preparing for your appointment
*Please see the ultrasound patient instructions link prior to your appointment.
Abdominal Examinations
Refrain from eating or drinking for eight hours prior to an abdominal or aortic study. Necessary medications may be taken with a small amount of water.
Renal Ultrasound
Refrain from eating or drinking for eight hours prior to your examination. Empty your bladder one hour prior to the exam; then, drink 32 ounces of noncarbonated water. At this point you must hold a full bladder until the examination is complete.
Pelvic Ultrasound
You must have a full bladder before the pelvic examination can be performed. Start drinking water 90 minutes before the exam, and refrain from emptying your bladder once you’ve started drinking. The amount of water to be consumed is based on weight:
- Below 120 lbs – 32 ounces
- 120 – 150 lbs – 48 ounces
- Over 150 lbs – 64 ounces
Obstetrical Ultrasound
- First Trimester or Unknown dates–Please follow preparation for pelvic exam as seen above.
- Second and Third Trimester–Follow pelvic exam prep but reduce water to 16 ounces.
Endovaginal Ultrasound
A transvesical pelvic ultrasound is performed prior to an endovaginal exam to evaluate the entire pelvis and adnexa. Follow the same preparation for a conventional pelvic ultrasound.