Ultrasound

An ultrasound is a procedure that uses sound waves and computer technology to obtain medical images of internal organs and tissues. Ultrasound does not use x-rays and is completely safe and painless. Ultrasound produces very precise images of your soft tissue, such as the heart, blood vessels, uterus, bladder, etc. It also reveals internal motion, such as your heart beat and blood flow. It can detect diseased or damaged tissues, locate abnormal growths and identify a wide variety of changing conditions. This enables your doctor to make a quick and accurate diagnosis. At Naugatuck Valley Radiology Associates a wide variety of diagnostic ultrasound procedures are performed utilizing sophisticated computerized equipment.

What can I Expect?

An ultrasound test can range from 15 to 60 minutes based on the type of exam your physician ordered. An ultrasound technologist will assist you on a table which you will lie on during your exam. The technologist will apply a warm gel over the area of your body to be visualized. This gel will help to conduct the sound waves from the probe (transducer) to the ultrasound machine. The images that are collected are then displayed on a monitor. The ultrasound technologist will glide the transducer over the area and a series of pictures will be taken. You may experience slight pressure during the procedure while the technologist is obtaining the pictures.

What is an Ultrasound Used for?

Ultrasound is a useful way of examining many of the body's internal organs, including the heart, liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, and bladder. Ultrasound is also an excellent tool for evaluate a fetus during pregnancy, visualizing certain gynecological functions in non-pregnant women and for noninvasive evaluation of vascular disease.

What are Some of the Most Common Ultrasound Examinations?

The most common types of ultrasound are: breast, abdominal and pelvic (gynecological and obstetrical).

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

Abdominal:

• 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
• 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
• 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

How Should I Prepare for the Procedure?

The preparation depends on the type of examination your doctor has ordered.

Pelvic /Obstetrical (up to 24 weeks)/Urinary Bladder Ultrasound:
You should eat at least 30 minutes before drinking. Prior to drinking empty your bladder. Drink 40 ounces of water, coffee, tea or juice 1 hour before the exam. Do not void after drinking as your bladder must be full for the examination.

Obstetrical Ultrasound (24 weeks to term):
You should eat at least 30 minutes before drinking. Prior to drinking empty your bladder. Drink 24 ounces of water, coffee, tea or juice 1 hour before the exam. Do not void after drinking as your bladder must be full for the examination.

Abdomen/Gallbladder/Liver/Pancreas/Spleen Ultrasound:
Nothing to eat or drink after midnight. You may take medication with water.

How do I get my Results?

At NVRA, our radiologists will interpret your images promptly and the results will be forwarded to your physician either by phone, fax, and mail and or delivered electronically. Your referring physician will share the results with you.

Where can I Schedule my Ultrasound?

At NVRA, Ultrasounds are available at:
(click on the facility for more info i.e. Hours, services, directions)

• NVRA @ Pond Place in Prospect
• NVRA @ 1389 West Main St. in Waterbury
• NVRA @ 500 Chase Parkway in Waterbury
• NVRA @ 305 Church St. in Naugatuck
• Diagnostic Imaging of Southbury