Radiology Group | Exam Descriptions

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 and 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.

Pelvic ultrasound can help identify and evaluate a variety of reproductive system disorders in women. Pelvic ultrasound is most often used to examine the uterus and ovaries, monitor the health and development of an embryo or fetus, and determine the causes of pelvic pain, bleeding or other menstrual problems. Medical conditions such as ovarian cysts and uterine fibroids can also be diagnosed on a pelvic ultrasound. An ultrasound procedure called Hysterosonography identifies polyps and fibroids of the endometrium, especially when there has been abnormal uterine bleeding.

You will be asked to drink up to 32 ounces of water one hour prior to the exam to fill your bladder before the scanning begins. By the time you arrive at the imaging center you should have finished drinking all 32 ounces. A full, distended bladder allows the reproductive organs to be visualized.

You will lie on an exam table next to the ultrasound scanner. Pelvic ultrasounds are performed in one of two ways: transabdominal and transvaginal.

A transabdominal ultrasound requires a full urinary bladder and offers an expanded view of the internal structures of the pelvis. Your Technologist will apply gel to your abdominal area. She will then guide a hand-held device called a transducer slowly across your skin. The transducer transfers pelvic images to the ultrasound machine and displays them in "real time" onto a computer monitor. "Snapshots" of these images are captured for your Radiologist to review and interpret. The procedure is painless with no short- or long-term side effects.

Transvaginal ultrasound is similar to a gynecologic exam. It requires inserting the transducer into the vagina after the bladder is emptied to obtain images of the uterus and ovaries. (Note: Transvaginal exams are not conducted on patients who have not yet become sexually active.)

The length of time required for a pelvic ultrasound is dependent upon your 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) 359-1131.
For information on this exam, please visit www.radiologyinfo.com.

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