Ultrasound

Ultrasound

Ultrasounds in St. Petersburg, Florida


At Saint Pete MRI, we offer a variety of ultrasound scans, which are commonly called ultrasounds or sonograms. Ultrasounds use high-frequency sound waves to create images of the organs and other tissues in the body. A sonogram can be ordered for nearly any part of the body. They are noninvasive and do not expose the patient to any radiation, which makes them the preferred type of diagnostic imaging for a developing fetus. Ultrasound technology is safe to use on anyone, including pregnant women.
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Types of ultrasounds


Sonography, or ultrasound, is a versatile type of testing that can show the internal structures of almost any body part. Saint Pete MRI offers most types of ultrasounds, including the following:
  • Abdominal: An abdominal ultrasound shows the abdominal organs, including the gallbladder, liver, spleen, and uterus. One type of abdominal sonogram is called a retroperitoneal ultrasound. Another is a liver doppler exam.
  • Obstetric: We perform obstetric ultrasounds for women whose pregnancies are not high-risk. 
  • Venous: An ultrasound of the veins in an arm or leg can confirm or rule out deep vein thrombosis, which is a potentially serious blood clot.
  • Arterial: A sonogram of the arteries in the arms or legs can detect issues with circulation. Some other types of arterial ultrasounds include those of the carotid, in the renal (kidney) area, of the aorta, and those supplying blood to the intestines (mesenteric).
  • Thyroid/Neck: Lumps or nodules in the neck or on the thyroid can be examined with a noninvasive ultrasound scan.
  • Renal: A doctor might order a renal ultrasound to check the kidneys and bladder. 
  • Pelvic: A pelvic ultrasound creates images of the uterus, ovaries, Fallopian tubes, and cervix. It can be done abdominally or transvaginally.
  • Transrectal: A prostate ultrasound is done through the rectum.
  • Bladder: A bladder ultrasound is done abdominally with a full bladder and then again with an empty bladder.
  • Scrotal: A scrotal ultrasound can detect problems with the testicles.
  • Groin: A groin ultrasound is sometimes used to look for a hernia.
  • Soft tissue: An ultrasound can be used on any part of the body to determine what is causing a lump.
  • Echocardiogram: An echocardiogram (or echo) is used to create images of the structures of the heart.

Why your doctor might order an ultrasound


Many health conditions can be detected, confirmed or ruled out thanks to ultrasound technology. There is a wide range of reasons that a doctor might order a sonogram. Many are mentioned above following each type of ultrasound scan. If you are not sure why your doctor has ordered an ultrasound, please talk to him or her about it to find out exactly what condition your doctor thinks you might have.

Sometimes, ultrasounds are ordered to monitor an existing condition; in this case, you might come back every six months, every year, or at some other interval. Please talk to your doctor about the interval that is right for you and your specific circumstances.

How an ultrasound differs from an x-ray


While an ultrasound and an x-ray are both noninvasive diagnostic images, they are quite different from one another. First, an x-ray uses radiation to create images while an ultrasound uses sound waves. Another difference is that an ultrasound shows a wide variety of organs and soft tissues of the body while an x-ray usually focuses on the bones. Finally, an ultrasound captures images and movements over several minutes, while an x-ray captures just one still image at a time.

Ultrasounds and x-rays have different indications, though sometimes they can be used together to diagnose a condition. For example, a patient with chest pain might have a chest x-ray to check for pneumonia or an enlarged heart and also an echocardiogram to scan the structures of the heart. Talk to your doctor about the tests you are having and to find out why each is being ordered.

What to expect during your ultrasound


Because there are several different types of ultrasounds, the experience varies somewhat depending on the type you are having. You will receive instructions when you call Saint Pete MRI to schedule your ultrasound. Depending on the type you are having, you might be asked to refrain from eating certain foods or to drink a certain amount of water before your exam. Please make sure that you understand the instructions and follow them carefully. This will ensure the most accurate images possible.

When you arrive for your appointment, depending on the part of the body being scanned, you might be asked to change out of some of your clothing to allow access to the area that needs to be examined. This will also protect your clothing from the gel that is used during the ultrasound.

For external ultrasounds, the technologist will position you on a table and apply gel to the area of your body being scanned. The gel will feel warm and wet but it will not cause any other type of unpleasant sensation. The sound waves are produced by a handheld device called a transducer and the gel makes it possible for the transducer to slide around easily on your skin. The technologist will use the transducer and the ultrasound screen to take images and measurements. In some cases, there will be short recordings made of your organs, blood vessels, or other internal structures.

For internal ultrasounds (transvaginal and transrectal), the technologist will insert a wand-like transducer. You might feel some pressure but it will not be painful. He or she will take images and measurements of the structures and organs being scanned.

Depending on the type of ultrasound you are having, it could take a few minutes or up to 30 minutes to complete the imaging.

After an ultrasound, you will be able to drive yourself home or to work and resume your normal activities immediately. 

Saint Pete MRI offers ultrasound services to self-pay patients


At Saint Pete MRI we understand that health care expenses are a concern for many of our patients. We participate in a number of health insurance plans and we also provide services to patients who do not have health insurance. Diagnostic imaging services cost less at Saint Pete MRI than they do at a hospital, so whether or not you have insurance, you can save on your out-of-pocket expenses by visiting us. Please call us to learn more about our fees and our payment policies. 

Common patient concerns relating to ultrasound scans


If you have questions or concerns about your upcoming ultrasound appointment, please contact us or your doctor. Here are some common questions that patients have:
  • What do I need to do to prepare for my ultrasound? In many cases, you will not have to do anything in particular to prepare. For some types of ultrasounds of the digestive organs, you might need to refrain from eating certain foods. For some abdominal ultrasounds, you will need to have a full bladder. When you call to make your appointment, you will be given instructions based on the type of ultrasound you are having. Please call us if you are unsure about what you are supposed to do to prepare.
  • Will I be exposed to radiation? No. An ultrasound scan uses sound waves and no radiation. An ultrasound is safe during pregnancy and will not harm your developing fetus.
  • When will my doctor get the results of my scan? Your doctor will receive the results of your ultrasound within two business days.
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