Ultrasound, also known as a sonogram, is a diagnostic procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of soft tissues within the body. The human ear cannot hear the sound waves used in an ultrasound. Ultrasound does not utilize any radiation to produce images.

A hand-held transducer remitting silent, high-frequency sound waves is placed against the body and slowly passed over the area of interest. The sound waves pass through the skin and into the body. The returning sound waves, or echoes, are separated and identified by the transducer. The echoes are then recorded and displayed as real-time visual images.

The sonographer (ultrasound technologist) will make you comfortable on the exam table. The sonographer will then apply a warm gel to the area of interest. The sonographer will then pass the transducer over the specific exam area to obtain the images necessary to help the radiologist and your provider with a diagnosis. Most ultrasound exams last approximately 45 minutes.

Many ultrasound exams require little or no preparation. In some cases you will be asked to not eat or drink for a specific time-period before your exam or drink certain amounts of water prior to your exam. Your provider and/or the imaging scheduler will give you specific instructions for your ultrasound exam, or you may click on the tab below to see common ultrasound exams and the preparation for each.