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Patient Information Guide

Thank you for choosing Steinberg Diagnostic Medical Imaging Centers to perform your ultrasound examination. We realize you probably have questions regarding your upcoming exam and hope this information will help explain the procedure to you. If you have further questions, feel free to call our office at 732 - 6000.

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Patient Information Form
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WHAT IS AN ULTRASOUND?

Ultrasound (or "sonography") is a procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to show what is inside your body.

HOW DOES ULTRASOUND WORK?

Because the body contains over 90% water, sound waves can be used in some parts of the body just as sonar is used in the ocean. Each time the sound hits a tissue interface, like a blood vessel, an echo is sent back. Sophisticated, high-speed computers can use these echoes to create a picture of your internal organs. This results in a very detailed examination which aids the physician in his or her diagnosis.

In addition, at SDMI, some information is displayed using color-Doppler images and includes accurate blood flow measurements. This is called color-flow Doppler.

An ultrasound examination is fast, with very little discomfort. No radiation or x-rays are necessary.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT DURING YOUR ULTRASOUND EXAM?

You will be asked to lie down on a padded table and a gel will be spread on your skin above the area which is being examined. The technologist will move a device called a "transducer" slowly over your skin which has the gel on it, and an image will appear on a video screen. Pictures of this image will be made for permanent reference. You may be asked to hold your breath or assume different positions on the table. It is important that you remain as still as possible. Depending on the exam that was ordered, you may be a bit uncomfortable from the fullness of your bladder. For some pelvic examinations it is necessary to put a special type of transducer into the vagina.

WHAT WOULD AN ULTRASOUND TEST BE USED FOR?

Ultrasound is an excellent tool in several diagnostic situations, including: examining the fetus during pregnancy, visualizing certain gynecological functions in non-pregnant women, revealing information about tumors and cysts, evaluating the gallbladder and related organs, and for noninvasive evaluation of vascular disease.

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR THE TEST?

There are no general set instructions for all ultrasound examinations. Your physician will give you instructions on how to prepare for your specific exam. It is important to follow these instructions to ensure the most accurate diagnostic results.

In addition, please advise the staff if you have had previous ultrasound exams so that our physician can use them for comparison.

HOW LONG WILL THE EXAM TAKE?

The length of the exam varies with the type of ultrasound exam you are having. Please check with us for the estimated time required in your case.

ULTRASOUND TESTS AND APPLICATIONS

*Abdominal:

(Transabdominal sonography)

To look for causes of upper abdominal pain which may be related to problems in the liver, gallbladder, pancreas or kidneys.

• To detect gallstones
• To evaluate the kidney
• To look for enlargements (aneurysms) and other abnormalities of abdominal blood vessels

*Gynecologic:
(Pelvic or transvaginal ultrasound)

• Monitoring of ovarian follicles in infertility patients
• Localization of nonvisualized ovaries by transabdominal sonography, especially obese and post-menopausal patients
• To help characterize adnexal masses as cystic, solid or complex
• To identify size and location of uterine fibroids
• Localization of intrauterine device
• Identification of ovarian or uterine metastasis
• Helps to characterize pelvic masses

*Obstetrical (OB):

• Patients with a clinical question of ectopic pregnancy
• Evaluation of blighted ovum
• Confirmation of suspected early intrauterine pregnancy
• Early diagnosis of complications in pregnancy
• To add further definition of suspected fetal abnormalities
• Accesses: Early embryos, ectopic pregnancies, incomplete abortions

*Breast: (Length of time: 15 to 30 minutes)

• To identify cysts/lumps
• To detect breast-implant leaks
• To serve as a guide to a surgeon during a biopsy

*Carotid Doppler:

(Carotid Doppler / D.V. Thrombosis)

• Carotid artery disease
• Carotid occlusions
• Lower Extremity Vascular Thrombosis
• Lower Extremity Vascular Masses

Cardiac:

• Heart valve abnormalities

*Small Parts/Extremities: (30 min.)

• Testicular
• Thyroid

Prostate

FUTURE OF

• Tissue characterization, whereby computer comparisons of echo data distinguish between normal and abnormal body tissue
• Special application tranducers for new sub-specialty areas
• Improvements in computer software will increase the use of ultrasound for breast cancer diagnosis

DIAGNOSTIC ULTRASOUND

Ultrasound, also called sonography, is a method of imaging the body using sound waves. Ultrasound bounces sound waves off tissue inside the body and reveals what is there, since different tissue reflects sound differently. The ultrasound computer uses this information to produce images of the body.

BENEFITS OF ULTRASOUND

Ultrasound is an excellent tool in several diagnostic situations, including:

• Examining the fetus during pregnancy
• Visualizing abnormalities of the ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus.
• Revealing information about the shape and texture of tumors and cysts
  • Suspicious lumps found during a mammographic study
• Evaluating the gallbladder and related structures
  • Some gallstones and kidney stones may be seen only with ultrasound
• Noninvasive evaluation of vascular disease
• Examination of the heart (echocardiography)
• Visualizing the flow of blood through the body (color-Doppler)
• Provides new ways to image the musculoskeletal system and the prostate gland

For an ultrasound test, an oil or gel will be applied to the area being examined. A small probe, called a transducer, will be passed over the surface of the area, producing a sensation of light pressure on the skin. The gel helps the transducer to move more smoothly over the area. While the images are made, the patient will be asked to remain very still and to control their breathing. The patient may be asked to turn on their side or lie on their stomach. The patient will wait while the images are reviewed by the radiologist. Occasionally, more images may be needed.

SAFETY OF ULTRASOUND

An ultrasound test uses no radiation or x-rays, and is completely noninvasive.

PATIENT COMFORT

Having an ultrasound examination is fast, with very little discomfort. Depending on the exam that was ordered, the patient may experience some discomfort due to the fullness of the bladder.

For some pelvic examinations, it is necessary to insert a special type of transducer into the vagina. It is smaller than the instrument used in a routine pap smear exam.

INFORMATION NEEDED WHEN YOU CALL TO SCHEDULE THE EXAM

The patient should share pertinent history or diagnosis.

AFTER THE TEST

The patient can resume normal activities.

ULTRASOUND IN CONJUNCTION WITH OTHER TESTS

An ultrasound study may be used in conjunction with other diagnostic tests. For example, an ultrasound carotid Doppler study may be used along with a CT or an MRI. A breast ultrasound may be done after a mammography exam.

FINDING OUT THE RESULTS

At SDMI, we have a radiologist on site at all times so the test will be interpreted promptly. The results will be phoned, faxed or mailed to the referring physician. He/she will share the results with the patient.

I AM READY TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

To schedule an Ultrasound Exam,
Call 732 - 6000
Press 2 for Appointments
Press 2 for Ultrasound

Are you a new patient?
Save time by printing and filling out the following forms before your appointment with us:
Patient Information Form
SDMI Financial Policy
Release of Confidential Info