An ultrasound is a noninvasive diagnostic test that uses sound waves to penetrate the organs and tissues.  Ultrasounds are commonly used to examine many different parts of the body to further diagnose abnormalities.  Because it is a relatively inexpensive test, your referring doctor may recommend that you have an ultrasound if your symptoms do not lead to a definitive diagnosis.

It is important to follow the instructions for each exam very closely to allow for optimal imaging.  If your doctor has referred you to our office for an examination, please see the instructions below for each exam.  Please call our office if any of the instructions are unclear.

Ultrasound studies offered at Visconti Imaging & Vein Institute

	Abdomen Ultrasound

Abdomen ultrasounds are used to evaluate organs such as the kidney, pancreas, gallbladder, spleen and liver.  This helps to diagnose many problems such as an enlarged organ, kidney stones, and blood clots.  If you are experiencing abdominal pain, your doctor may refer you for an ultrasound.  You may not eat or drink for 8 hours prior to your exam.

Arterial studies (Carotid, lower extremity, upper extremity, etc) help to determine the extent of arterial stenosis and the amount of plaque built up in your arteries.  During an arterial study, the blood flow is examined to determine if an abnormality is present.  You may not eat or drink for 8 hours prior to your exam time.  If you take any medications, you may take them with a sip of clear, non-carbonated water.  Diabetics should be scheduled in the morning; please let our office know if you are diabetic.  You will need to take anti-gas tablets, such as Mylanta or Maalox, as directed 24 hours prior to your exam time.  Please refrain from eating any spicy foods the day before the exam.  Do not smoke or chew gum the day of the exam.

Breast ultrasounds are completed to diagnose breast symptoms.  Questionable areas on a mammogram can be further examined under ultrasound to characterize the abnormality.  Also, lumps in the breast can be distinguished as a solid mass or fluid (cyst).  Once the lump is categorized, a breast biopsy can also be completed at Visconti Imaging & Vein Institute.  For more information on the Breast Care Center at Visconti Imaging, click here.  Patient preparation is not required for breast ultrasounds.

Pelvic ultrasounds examine the lower abdomen and the reproductive organs of both males and females.  Women who are having pelvic pain or abnormal menstruations may be referred for an ultrasound exam.  In men, a pelvic ultrasound evaluates the prostate and bladder.  All pelvic ultrasounds require preparation to visualize the appropriate organs.  Be sure to drink 32 oz. of water and finish 1 hour prior to your exam time.  Please refrain from using the restroom because you will need to have a full bladder during the exam.

	3D Fetal Ultrasound image

Obstetrical Ultrasounds can help to assess fetal growth, determine the date of delivery, and diagnose abnormalities.  Your doctor may refer you for an ultrasound at any point throughout your pregnancy to evaluate the health of your baby.  At Visconti Imaging & Vein Institute, 3-dimensial pictures can be taken of your baby!  Before the exam, make sure that you drink 32 oz. of water - finish 1 hour prior to your exam time.  Please refrain from using the restroom because you will need to have a full bladder during the exam.

Thyroid ultrasounds are done to examine the thyroid glands, which are located on both sides of your neck.  An ultrasound can help diagnose a palpable mass; an ultrasound-guided biopsy of your thyroid can also be completed at Visconti Imaging.  During a thyroid biopsy, ultrasound guidance is used to place the needle and a small tissue sample is removed.  Preparation is not required for this exam.

Venous ultrasounds (lower extremity, upper extremity, etc) examine the blood flowing through your veins.  By examining the blood flow, the radiologist can determine if a there is a clot in the veins of your arm or leg.  At Visconti Imaging & Vein Institute, venous ultrasounds are mainly done to identify problematic varicose veins.  To learn more about the symptoms and treatment options for varicose veins, click here. Patient preparation is not required for venous ultrasounds.