Ultrasound
What is an Ultrasound?
An ultrasound examination uses high frequency sound waves which are transmitted to the body through a transducer. Those sound waves are reflected back to the transducer to create images of the anatomy being scanned. An ultrasound examination is used to interrogate many different structures including the liver, kidneys, gallbladder, pancreas, thyroid, uterus, ovaries, arteries and veins throughout the entire body, breasts, testicles, and a fetus through a prenatal scan. Ultrasound is also used during interventional procedures, such as biopsies, to help guide the Radiologists to the correct anatomical location.
What do I Need to do to Prepare for the Exam?
The preparation involved will depend on what type of an ultrasound exam you are having. You will be instructed if there is any special preparation needed for your ultrasound when your exam is scheduled. If you have questions, please call our Diagnostic Imaging department at 712-264-6500, and we would be happy to assist you.
What Should I Expect when I Arrive?
Please enter entrance B of Spencer Hospital and stop at our Patient Registration area just beyond the Gift Shop. In our private patient registration room, your personal and insurance information will be updated. Once you are registered, you will be directed to the Diagnostic Imaging department.
What will I Experience During the Exam?
The sonographer will ask you some questions regarding your medical history and the problems that you are experiencing. The sonographer will explain the exam to you and make sure all your questions are answered. You will be asked to lie down on your back on a table. Warm gel and a transducer (a hand-held device that transmits sound waves) will be rubbed along the anatomical area of interest. The entire exam will take anywhere from 30-60 minutes.
Who will be in the Exam Room with Me?
A registered sonographer will perform the exam in one of our ultrasound suites.
What do I need to do After the Exam?
Following most ultrasound exams, you will be able to resume normal activities. If you underwent an ultrasound procedure, such as an ultrasound-guided biopsy, additional post procedure information will be given to you by the sonographer.
When will I receive the Results of the Exam?
You will receive your results from your ordering physician. You may receive a phone call or have a follow up appointment with your physician. If you are unsure of how you will receive your results, please contact your physician’s office.
Quality healthcare at Spencer Hospital is our top priority to best care for our patients. All of Spencer Hospital’s Sonographers are registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographers by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographrs and all are Registered Vascular Technologists.
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