Ultrasound is a simple, safe, painless diagnostic procedure that bounces high-frequency sound waves off parts of the body and captures the returning "echoes" as images. There is no injection or radiation exposure associated with ultrasound. Ultrasound scanning is used to help monitor and diagnose conditions in many parts of the body, including the kidneys, the liver and the heart. It is often used to examine conditions affecting a woman's uterus, Fallopian tubes and ovaries. Ultrasound scanning is not dangerous and has no side effects, so it is safe to use during pregnancy. In fact, baby’s first photo is sometimes an Ultrasound. When enhanced with a special Doppler technique, ultrasound can also capture moving blood images of the heart and large blood vessels. A trained ultrasonographer moves a transducer back and forth over the body.

An experienced board certified radiologist at Central Georgia Diagnostics will read the tests and promptly send the report to your doctor.

The way an ultrasound is performed depends on the purpose of the examination ordered by your doctor. You might be asked to lie on your back for an abdominal Ultrasound scan. If the kidneys or liver are being examined you will be told to lie on your back or side on the exam table. A special imaging gel is spread over the skin, enabling the transducer to define the organs as clearly as possible.

An ultrasound scan does not hurt although the gel used for the examination can feel a bit cold on your skin.

approximately 20-60 minutes

As always, please let your doctor or the ultrasonographer know of any concerns or questions you may have prior to this exam. It is our goal to ensure you have an accurate and comfortable exam.