A Patient’s Guide to Preparation, Procedure, and Peace of Mind
Finding out you need an ultrasound can bring up a mix of emotions. You might have questions about the process, feel anxious about the results, or simply be curious about how it works. At Real Imaging Services, we believe that an informed patient is a comfortable and confident patient. This guide will walk you through everything you can expect before, during, and after your ultrasound appointment.
What Exactly Is an Ultrasound?
Let’s start with the basics. Ultrasound imaging, also called sonography, uses high-frequency sound waves—not radiation—to create live pictures of the inside of your body. A small device called a transducer is moved over your skin. It sends out sound waves that bounce off your organs and tissues, and then listens for the returning echoes. A computer translates these echoes into real-time images on a monitor. It’s the same safe technology used to get the first pictures of a developing baby.
Before Your Appointment: The Key to Preparation
The most important step happens before you even arrive. You will receive specific preparation instructions when you book your appointment, and please follow them carefully! They are designed to ensure we get the clearest possible images.
- Abdominal Ultrasound (Liver, Gallbladder, etc.): You will likely be asked not to eat or drink for 8-12 hours before your exam. This helps reduce gas in your stomach and intestines, allowing for a clearer view of the organs behind them.
- Pelvic Ultrasound (Uterus, Ovaries, Bladder): For this exam, a full bladder is essential. You’ll be asked to drink several glasses of water about an hour before your appointment and not to empty your bladder. A full bladder acts as a “window” that pushes loops of bowel out of the way and provides a clearer view of the pelvic organs.
- Other Ultrasounds (Thyroid, Musculoskeletal): For scans of the neck, arms, legs, etc., usually no special preparation is needed. Just wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to the area being examined.
During the Scan: What to Expect Step-by-Step
- Check-In: You’ll be greeted by our friendly front desk staff who will confirm your information.
- The Sonographer: You will be escorted to a private scanning room where you’ll meet your sonographer—the highly trained professional who will perform your ultrasound. They are your guide for the procedure.
- Getting Ready: You may be asked to change into a gown. The sonographer will position you on the exam table, usually lying down, and will ensure you are comfortable.
- The Gel: The sonographer will apply a clear, water-based gel to your skin over the area being examined. This gel is safe and hypoallergenic. It might feel a little cool, but its main job is to eliminate air between the transducer and your skin, ensuring the sound waves can travel clearly.
- The Scan: The sonographer will gently press the transducer against your skin and move it around. You may be asked to take a deep breath and hold it, or to turn on your side. The pressure is usually minimal, but if you feel any discomfort, please let them know immediately. You might hear swooshing sounds from the machine—this is the Doppler ultrasound measuring blood flow, which is completely normal.
- The Images: The sonographer is capturing and storing numerous images and video clips for the radiologist to review. While they are experts in operating the machine, they cannot provide a diagnosis.
After the Ultrasound
Once the scan is complete, the sonographer will wipe off the gel. You can usually resume your normal activities immediately. A board-certified radiologist (a specialist doctor in medical imaging) will then analyze all the images in detail, compile a report, and send it directly to your referring doctor.
Your Results and Next Steps
Your referring doctor is your partner for discussing the results. They will receive the formal report from us and will contact you to explain the findings and what they mean for your health plan. We recommend scheduling a follow-up with your doctor to review the report together.
At Real Imaging Services, your comfort and understanding are our priority. We are here to provide you with a safe, high-quality diagnostic experience from start to finish.