Radiology Group | Exam Descriptions | Ultrasound

Imaging Excellence in the Quad Cities Since 1945

Ultrasound (also called sonography) is an imaging exam that uses sound waves instead of x-rays or radiation to produce “real-time” live images of the internal organs and tissues of the body. It also enables the Radiologist to visualize blood flow through major vessels to see and evaluate blockages, plaque, or clots. During an ultrasound exam, sound waves bounce off organs and tissues like an echo to create pictures or images. These images can be viewed in “real time” on an attached computer monitor by your Technologist. “Snapshots” of the images are captured for the Radiologist to review and interpret.

In children, an ultrasound of the abdomen is useful for examining internal organs including the appendix, liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, kidneys and bladder. Ultrasound is particularly valuable for painlessly and non-invasively evaluating the source of abdominal pain in young children. Your physician may also order an ultrasound to identify the cause for an enlarged abdominal organ.

Your child will lie on a padded exam table next to the ultrasound scanner. The Technologist will apply warm gel to the abdominal area. A hand-held device called a transducer will be guided slowly across the skin. There may be varying degrees of discomfort from pressure as the Radiologist or Technologist guides the transducer over the abdomen, especially if your child has a full bladder. The transducer transfers images to the ultrasound machine and displays them in “real time” onto a computer monitor. “Snapshots” of these images are captured for the Radiologist to review and interpret. The procedure is painless with no short- or long-term side effects.

The length of time required for a pediatric abdominal ultrasound is dependent upon your child and the individual exam. When the exam is completed you may be asked to wait until the Radiologist determines if more images are required.

A Radiologist (a medical doctor specializing in diagnosing disease and injury using medical imaging technology) analyzes and interprets your exam within 24 hours. He/she dictates a Report of the findings and sends it to your physician. Your physician's office will inform you of your results. Due to the number of patients your physician serves, it may be 7 to 10 days before he/she is prepared to respond to your Report.

It is not possible for our office to determine individual coverage. Coverage for imaging tests is variable and depends on your insurance carrier, your plan, any exclusions, and sometimes the reasons for the examination. Prior to undergoing any imaging test, please call the number on the back of your insurance card to determine if it will be covered.

Contact us at (563) 359-3931.
For information on this exam, please visit www.radiologyinfo.com.

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