Ultrasound how long does it take

Digestion changes the shape and contents of abdominal organs, and eating or drinking too close to your exam may distort your images. Only some ultrasound exams require you to fast, however. For complete instructions, consult your doctor, or call your American Health Imaging center. Ultrasound is one of the fastest, most convenient imaging techniques, and most exams take just 20 to 40 minutes.

Unfortunately, no. While our ARRT-certified technologists are trained to perform ultrasound exams and collect images, they are not allowed to interpret the results. Our board-certified radiologists will interpret your exam and provide your doctor with a thorough report.

One of our board-certified radiologists will review and interpret your ultrasound results immediately. Your doctor will receive a written report and hardcopy images within 24 hours. What to Expect During Your Ultrasound Exam Quick, convenient and easy, ultrasound exams typically last 20 to 40 minutes. Frequently Asked Questions. What is ultrasound, and how does it work?

Does ultrasound use radiation? How should I prepare for my ultrasound exam? Why am I asked to have a full bladder for my ultrasound exam? How long will my ultrasound exam take? Can I get the results of my ultrasound exam from my technologist? How long will it take for my doctor to receive the results of my ultrasound exam? For example:. If any of these movements cause you concern or discomfort, you should let the sonographer know immediately.

In most situations, there should not be any after effects from having an ultrasound. Occasionally, patients report a little tenderness in the area that has been examined, but this is uncommon and rarely persists beyond the first hours after the examination.

If you have an injection, there may be some short-term side-effects, but this will be explained to you by the specialist doctor. Generally, an ultrasound examination will take approximately 30 minutes. Some examinations, especially vascular imaging blood vessel-related , may take longer because of the detailed imaging that is required, and the number and size of the organ or organs being examined.

It is best to ask the hospital or radiology practice when you make your ultrasound appointment how long the type of ultrasound you are having normally takes. Ultrasound is a safe examination that provides excellent imaging without any significant risk to the patient. Ultrasound provides excellent imaging of the soft tissues of the body, and is a safe procedure that does not have the risks associated with imaging that uses radiation.

There are no proven harmful effects of sound waves at the levels used in ultrasound when carried out in a proper clinical setting, such as a private radiology practice or hospital. Ultrasound can be used with patient movement, so is ideal for imaging babies and children.

Dynamic imaging moving pictures provided by images using ultrasound sound waves gives the opportunity to look at the inside of the body in positions or with movements where there is pain or movement restriction. Rarely, a specific ultrasound contrast medium is injected into a vein of the arm to detect certain types of diseases or problems. If the radiologist feels that this will be useful, then this will be explained to you at the time of the examination. Ultrasound is mostly non-invasive, provides accurate imaging tests of the body, is readily available and is relatively inexpensive.

The ultrasound can be carried out by various health professionals. In most situations, this is a sonographer. A sonographer is a health professional who is specialised and fully qualified in ultrasound examinations. The sonographer will provide a preliminary interpretation of the images on the screen to a radiologist specialist doctor , who will review the results.

Sometimes, it may be necessary for the radiologist to attend the examination to see the images on the screen rather than just the still photographs, carry out any further scans or movements and talk to you about your symptoms. After discussing the images and results with a sonographer, the radiologist will provide a report to your doctor. Generally, an ultrasound is done in a hospital in a diagnostic imaging, radiology or ultrasound department or in a private radiology practice.

Trained sonographers and specialist radiologists work in these facilities. As ultrasound equipment is portable and inexpensive to operate, it can be carried out in a variety of places and by a range of health professionals. For example, your obstetrician a doctor specialising in delivering babies and the care of women after childbirth may have a small ultrasound system to examine you in your first part of pregnancy, or your rheumatologist a doctor specialising in conditions of the joints or muscles may have a small ultrasound system to guide injections.

Doctors in hospital accident and emergency departments also sometimes use ultrasound. When ultrasound examinations are done outside imaging practices or hospitals, patients or their carers should ensure they are being examined and results interpreted correctly by asking if the examiner is specialised in ultrasound examinations. The time it takes for your doctor to receive a written report will vary.

The private radiology practice, clinic or hospital where your procedure is carried out will be able to tell you when your doctor is likely to receive the report. It is important that you discuss the results with your doctor, so they can explain what the results mean for you. Obstetric ultrasound: Nuchal Translucency information: www.

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Most people do not feel pain during the test. If your belly hurts already from an injury or illness, the slight pressure from the transducer may be somewhat painful. You will not hear or feel the sound waves.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse call line if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to keep a list of the medicines you take. Ask your doctor when you can expect to have your test results.

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