Ultrasound is a procedure that uses high-frequency, inaudible sound
waves that penetrate the body and "echo" off the internal organs to
produce high-resolution images. This is very similar to the sonar
technology used by submarines. The returning "echoes" are processed by a
computer to produce high-resolution detailed images in real-time—a
feature that is useful for visualizing movement and intricate details in
tissues, organs and blood vessels.
Ultrasound is a non-invasive process—which means it does not penetrate
the skin or body openings—and is used to safely examine many parts of
the body, such as the kidneys, liver and spleen, pancreas, thyroid,
brain, female pelvis, heart and hips. Special techniques have been
developed to detect and examine blood flow in the arteries and veins.
Ultrasound can also be used to guide minimally invasive procedures such
as needle biopsies.
Perhaps the best-known use of ultrasound is to evaluate the condition of
a fetus, providing expectant parents with their first baby picture. The
simple procedure is painless. A specially-trained technologist applies a
jelly to the skin on the area to be studied and moves a wand, or
transducer, over it. Sound waves reflect back to the transducer and the
image is displayed on a monitor. A picture can be printed from the
screen or stored electronically in our computer system.
Because ultrasound uses sound waves and not radiation, there is no
danger of prolonged exposure. Ultrasound imaging can be performed safely
on any patient, even on pregnant women and small children.
The ultrasound technologists at Main Line Health Imaging have additional
certification in all areas of ultrasound such as vascular and abdominal
imaging. While a radiologist may not be present during the study, the
ultrasound study is supervised and reviewed by a radiologist, often
during the examination. In addition, our radiologists are connected over
our system-wide computer network to all the ultrasound rooms and can
view the studies as they are being performed…even if they are in another
An ultrasound study usually takes between 15 and 30 minutes to complete.
Do I Need to Prepare for an Ultrasound?
Depending on the type of ultrasound study you are having, there may be a
preparation required. Please see the instructions below:
Ultrasound of the abdomen: Nothing to eat or
drink after midnight (or a minimum of four hours before the
Ultrasound of the pelvis: Drink 32 ounces of
clear liquids one to one and a half hours before the procedure,
and do not empty your bladder
An experienced Main Line Health radiologist will analyze your
ultrasounds and send a report to your referring physician, who will
inform you on your test results. Results cannot be given directly to the
patient or family.
For more information, call 1.866.CALL.MLH.