An ultrasound exam usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes. You may be asked to change into a hospital gown. In the exam room, you will lay on a stretcher. The pictures are created by a hand-held probe called a transducer. The transducer is a camera that sends and receives sound waves and transfers information to the computer to make the picture.
A technologist will apply a clear, water-based gel to the skin over the area being examined. This helps transmit sound waves. Some exams require insertion of the probe into a body cavity.
Ultrasound is usually painless and does not involve any radiation. The exam does not require needles or incisions. You may feel mild pressure as the sonographer guides the transducer over your body. This might occur if you are required to have a full bladder. For some exams, a special transducer is inserted into body cavities to see specific tissues or organs.
Sometimes, more images are taken in different positions or with more pressure applied to the probe. Your comfort is important to us. Please let the technologist know if you are uncomfortable and they will work with you to minimize discomfort while still trying to get the images needed for diagnosis. After the exam, the technologist will give you a towel to remove the gel. The technologist will review the exam with the radiologist.