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Ultrasound, also called Sonography, is a diagnostic tool that uses sound waves to examine structures inside the body. Ultrasound is among the safest radiological exams because it does not require the use of radiation, contrast dyes, or anesthesia.
Many Ultrasounds require what we call "prep," which often includes abstaining from food & drink (NPO). Our schedulers will detail your prep over the phone, or you can use the list below as a general guideline (see "Preparing for your Ultrasound").
Midwest Open Imaging offers Ultrasound appointments Monday-Friday from 8:30am-4:30pm. |
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Ultrasound captures live images, which allows radiologists a better look at organs and vessels in your body. The procedure is commonly used to examine, diagnose, or monitor:
VASCULAR PROBLEMS, including assessing bloodflow and clotting threats in the brain, neck, arms, and legs. Ultrasound can also detect abdominal aneurysms.
PREGNANCY, including the size, growth rate, heartbeat, and position of the baby. Ultrasound also helps measure the amount of amniotic fluid present.
GYNECOLOGICAL ISSUES, including examination of the ovaries, uterus, and pelvic masses.
ABDOMINAL DISORDERS, including exams of the liver, pancreas, gallbladder, spleen, and kidneys. Ultrasound is also indicated for studies of the thyroid, breast, and scrotum.
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A Midwest Open Imaging staff member will contact you before your test if any special preparation, or "prep," is needed before your Ultrasound (chart below provides general guidelines). If your exam requires NPO, please abstain from food or drink after midnight. All patients are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing.
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EXAM |
PREP |
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Abdomen (including Gall Bladder, Liver, or Pancreas) |
NPO after midnight |
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Abdominal Doppler |
NPO after midnight; no gum or smoking |
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Lifeguard Vascular Screening |
NPO after midnight; no gum or smoking |
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Renal (Kidneys) |
NPO after midnight |
| Breast |
None |
| Testes |
None |
| Carotid, Arterial, or Venous Doppler (including ABIs) |
None |
| Breast |
None |
| Testes |
None |
| OB Pelvic |
Drink 32oz water 1 hour before appt |
| OB Transvaginal |
Empty Bladder |
| Thyroid |
None |
| Soft Tissue |
None |
| Extremity (non-vascular) |
None |
IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, please call (816) 478-4422.
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One of Midwest Open Imaging's technologists will help you relax comfortably on the Ultrasound table. The tech will apply a special gel to your skin at the area being examined. The gel helps improve signal and image quality. A transducer (or probe) is used to produce sound waves over the area of interest. When the waves bounce off structures in your body, the transducer picks up those echoes. The technologist watches the live images on a monitor, and records them to share with our radiologist. Most Ultrasound exams take 15-45 minutes. Patients are able to have a friend or family member in the scan room during their exam.
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