What to Expect for an Ultrasound Appointment
If you have an upcoming ultrasound and have never had one before, or it’s been a while since your last one, you may have some questions. What will the ultrasound be like? What will the ultrasound feel like? Do I need to do anything to prepare for an ultrasound?
It’s perfectly natural to have questions before an imaging appointment. Having answers helps ease any nerves and helps your appointment go smoothly. We’ll address the most common questions people have before an ultrasound in this post.
What is Getting an Ultrasound Like?
The exact procedure largely depends on which part of the body is being evaluated. Regardless, ultrasounds are painless! Ultrasounds produce images of inside the body by generating sound waves and sending them into the body. They bounce off the tissue, allowing an image to be recorded and shown. The instrument that is used to obtain these images is called a transducer, often referred to as the camera.
When you come in for your appointment, you will check-in and be brought to a private room for your ultrasound to take place. The technician, also called a sonographer, only needs access to the part of your body that is being scanned, so it is not always necessary to change.
The entire appointment typically takes less than an hour. When your technician begins the ultrasound, the images are produced in real-time as your technician works!
However, you may not fully understand the images on the screen and what they mean—and that’s okay. The technician will often talk you through what they are looking at. Results however, are only given by your doctor after they are carefully interpreted by a radiologist. Additionally, your doctor will explain any diagnosis and answer any questions you may have once they receive the results, which is typically 24-48 hours after the exam.
What Does an Ultrasound Feel Like?
Ultrasounds are entirely painless. Often, the gel that is used for ultrasounds is hypoallergenic and is kept in a warmer to make the scan more comfortable. The gel is used to serve as a connection point for the transducer and the skin. The gel helps create clear images and is necessary to complete the ultrasound.
Often, the gel is the only part of the ultrasound that patients describe as even slightly uncomfortable—just because it can sometimes feel cold. While your technician works, you will feel them moving the transducer around the area being assessed to get the best angle for the image to send to the doctor. The transducer will glide over the gel.
The technician may need to apply slight pressure to get a specific view in some instances. However, this will be explained as they are working, and technicians are trained to make the process pain-free and comfortable.
Do I Need to Do Anything to Prepare for an Ultrasound?
In most cases, preparation for an ultrasound is minimal. For certain scans, you may be asked to refrain from eating or drinking, as this can obscure organs making it hard to obtain the necessary images. Other times, you may be instructed to drink water beforehand, as it can enhance visibility to the pelvic organs.
Whatever you do, it’s important to listen to any instructions given. Not following the required prep for your exam may lead to some organs not being visible during the exam. It’s also important to inform your technician of any related surgeries in the area that is being scanned.
When you go to your appointment, it is easiest to wear loose-fitting clothing. This makes it easier to meet the needs of your technician and where they need to scan.
The Orchard Imaging Difference
Getting an ultrasound at Orchard Imaging is comfortable and effective. We have state-of-the-art equipment and trained technicians that will talk you through every step of the way. Our goal is to serve you and ensure your experience is the best!
Often, you may not think you have an option when it comes to where to get an ultrasound done—most are in hospitals by default. Unfortunately, the cost of getting imaging done at a hospital is often 3-4 times higher than an independent company like Orchard Imaging. Plus, the wait time can take months to be seen. At Orchard Imaging, we can usually accommodate same week appointments, and at a fraction of the cost!
We exist to be an alternative for you. With fast appointment scheduling, easy parking, low wait times, lower costs, the best equipment, and friendly staff, we think the choice is clear!
