A non-invasive imaging technique that sends high frequency sound waves into the body to produce images of soft tissues and internal organs.

WHAT IS AN ULTRASOUND?

Ultrasound enables doctors to make an accurate diagnosis of numerous conditions and diseases without the use of surgery or radiation, by providing a clear window into the human body.

GENERAL INFORMATION

The ultrasound procedure involves passing a device called a transducer over the skin of the area to be examined. A series of images are produced and analyzed by experienced clinicians.

Our practice uses state-of-the-art-imaging systems, which provide unprecedented image quality for medical diagnosis in a wide range of areas including abdominal, obstetrics and gynecology, vascular, musculoskeletal and other soft tissue areas of the body.

Each location of Wake Radiology Diagnostic Imaging and Village Radiology Consultants is accredited for the practice of ultrasound by the American College of Radiology. Our Diagnostic Medical Sonographers are highly skilled, demonstrating their professional
competency by earning and maintaining certification with the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers.

SCHEDULING & REPORTS

Appointments are scheduled in advance; however we will try to accommodate patients in need of an urgent exam.

Exam results are mailed or delivered by courier within 24 hours of the study, or given to the referring physician immediately, if requested, by telephone or facsimile.

For patient preparation information, please see the appropriate headings.

Technologist performs abdominal ultrasound.

ABDOMINAL EXAMINATIONS

Abdominal Ultrasound examinations may be ordered for the patient with abdominal pain, abnormal laboratory tests, follow up to other types of imaging tests, evaluation of the aorta for aneurysm, or a variety of other symptoms and indications. Color Doppler Imaging may also be used during an abdominal ultrasound exam to assess blood flow in abdominal organs and structures.

Complete Abdominal Ultrasound includes a thorough survey of the following abdominal organs and related structures:

• Liver
• Pancreas
• Gallbladder
• Aorta
• Kidneys
• Bile ducts
• Spleen

Right Upper Quadrant Ultrasound may be ordered to target the following structures:

• Liver
• Pancreas
• Gallbladder
• Bile ducts
• Right kidney

Retroperitoneal Ultrasound may be ordered to target the following structures:

• Kidneys
• Bladder
• Aorta

Patient Preparation

• Patient must go without food and drink for 8 hours prior to an abdominal study. Necessary medications may be taken with a small amount of water only. No chewing gum please.
• An ultrasound to evaluate only the kidneys does not require an 8 hour fast.

OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY

PELVIC ULTRASOUND

High resolution diagnostic ultrasound assists the physician in the evaluation of the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes and related anatomy. Color Doppler Imaging may be used during a pelvic ultrasound exam to assess blood flow in pelvic organs and structures.

Patient Preparation

Patients must have a full bladder before the pelvic exam can be performed. Patients should finish drinking 36 ounces of water one hour before their appointment time. Patients should not empty their bladder once they have started drinking.

OBSTETRICAL ULTRASOUND

Ultrasound may be performed during any stage of pregnancy. In early pregnancy, ultrasound is used to determine fetal age and viability. In the second and third trimesters, ultrasound is used to evaluate the fetus, monitor fetal growth and position, check amniotic fluid, survey the placental location, etc.

Patient Preparation

• First Trimester - Please follow preparation for pelvic exam as seen above
• Second and third trimester - No patient preparation is necessary
• Unknown dates - Please follow preparation for pelvic exam as seen above

ENDOVAGINAL ULTRASOUND

When conventional scanning methods do not provide accurate diagnostic information, the physician may request an endovaginal ultrasound. The endovaginal transducer allows close evaluation of the uterus, ovaries and cervix. This technology provides a clear image of the reproductive organs because it is only inches away, rather than through the abdomen, where intestinal contents and gas sometimes obscure the view. The endovaginal transducer is also used in early pregnancy to detect fetal heart motion and to aid in the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancies.

Patient Preparation

A brief, conventional pelvic ultrasound exam is performed prior to an endovaginal exam to evaluate the entire pelvis and adnexa, therefore patients should follow the same prep required for a conventional pelvic ultrasound exam.

VASCULAR COLOR DOPPLER PROCEDURES

High resolution color Doppler permits accurate noninvasive evaluation of the blood vessel supply to the head and neck and lower extremities. Color Doppler allows clinicians not only to hear, but to clearly see blood flow within vessels, providing a "window" of opportunity to make an accurate diagnosis faster.

This color imaging capability combines an ultrasound image of internal structures with blood flow information derived from the Doppler effect. The ultrasound image with color Doppler significantly increases the types of diagnostic information available
because blood flow can be identified in vessels that are too small to visualize with conventional ultrasound imaging alone. This allows blood flow to be assessed in the smaller vessels of the breast, testicle, thyroid and scrotum.

Vascular procedures routinely performed at Wake Radiology include:

• Peripheral Venous Doppler of the lower extremities
• Carotid Doppler
• Evaluation of Erectile Dysfunction (West Raleigh Office only)

Patient Preparation

• No patient preparation is necessary for routine vascular Doppler procedures
• Length of study - approximately 1 1/2 hours

Available at North Hills and West Raleigh locations.

Color Doppler ultrasound demonstrates a small area of plaque at the carotid bifurcation.

Color Doppler ultrasound of normal femoral vein at the level of the bifurcation of the deep and superficial femoral veins.

SUPERFICIAL STRUCTURES / MUSCULOSKELETAL

The following superficial structures are grouped into the category of "small parts" exams. Color Doppler is often used in small parts exams to assess blood flow.

Small Parts

• Breast: Ultrasound evaluation of the breast may be performed to resolve a specific question raised by mammography, or an area felt by the patient's physician but obscured by dense breast tissue on the mammogram.
• Popliteal: An ultrasound exam of the popliteal area of the knee may be performed to identify a Baker's cyst or popliteal artery aneurysm.
• Scrotum: Ultrasound and color Doppler ultrasound are used in assessing a painful testicle or in the case of a testicular mass.
• Thyroid: An ultrasound exam of the thyroid may be requested for an enlarged thyroid gland, or laboratory tests indicating abnormal thyroid function.

Musculoskeletal (Musculoskeletal studies are performed in the West Raleigh Office only.)

• Shoulder: An ultrasound exam of the shoulder may be performed to assist in the diagnosis of a Rotator Cuff Tear.
• Tendons: Tendons may be examined by ultrasound to determine the extent of tendon injuries.
• Pediatric Hips: An ultrasound exam may be performed to evaluate infant hips for dislocation.
• Soft Tissue: An ultrasound exam may be performed to identify a soft tissue mass or foreign body.

Miscellaneous

• Spinal Sonography: Screening for spinal cord abnormalities in newborn infants.
• Neonatal Echoencephalography: An ultrasound exam of the neonatal brain may be performed to identify neonatal hydrocephaly and hemorrhage.

Patient Preparation

No patient preparation is required for scanning of superficial structures or musculoskeletal areas.

Normal color Doppler ultrasound of the testicle demonstrates blood flow in the vessels.

Ultrasound image of normal rotator cuff.

Ultrasound image demonstrates a torn rotator cuff.

Please bring all insurance information to each visit. Most major insurers will pay for radiology examinations, although some require prior authorization for certain procedures. Patients may be required to pay at the time of service depending on the type of insurance coverage. You should check your benefits with your insurers at least a day before the exam.

Your insurance policy is a contract between you and your insurance company. As a courtesy to you, we will be glad to file your insurance claims. Bring your insurance card with you when you come for the exam. You will be responsible for all services that are not covered by your insurance.

We participate with most health care plans. If you have any questions about your coverage, you may call our business office at (919) 787-7411 or toll free at 1-800-675-2232.