Ultrasound

How do I prepare for my Ultrasound Exam?

All medical imaging studies, including ultrasound exams, require a prescription and a pre-scheduled appointment.

All medical imaging studies, including ultrasound exams, require a prescription and a pre-scheduled appointment. Prescriptions can be faxed to 716.649.9005, or you can bring your written order from your healthcare provider. Same-day appointments will be offered when available.

You must arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time.

Preparation for Ultrasound Exams:

Test preparation depends on the type of Ultrasound ordered. Specific instructions may be given by the ordering physician’s office. No preparation is needed for breast, thyroid, scrotal (testicular), carotid, venous and arterial ultrasound exams.

Preparation for other tests:

Abdominal, Aorta and Renal Arterial Ultrasound: Nothing to eat or drink for 8-12 hours prior. Medication can be taken with as little water as possible. Please advise the scheduler if you are diabetic so that we can schedule you for the earliest appointment available.

Renal Ultrasound: Drink 24 oz. water one hour prior to exam and DO NOT VOID.

Pelvic and Pregnancy Ultrasound (First trimester only < 13 weeks): PLEASE DRINK 32 OZ OF WATER OR CLEAR LIQUID, FINISH DRINKING 1 HOUR PRIOR TO EXAM. DO NOT VOID. No endometrial biopsy or cervical procedure within the prior 72 hours. Transvaginal exams are performed in most cases after the full bladder scan. Patients are allowed to void prior to transvaginal scan.

Sonohysterogram: Patients are scanned optimally between day 4-10 from start of menstrual cycle. Patients should not be actively bleeding. Patient is advised to take 400mg Motrin or Advil prior to procedure. No endometrial biopsy or cervical procedures within 10 days prior.

Ultrasound-Guided Thyroid Biopsy: You can eat and drink normally before your procedure. Please consult your physician about stopping any blood thinner five days before your ultrasound-guided biopsy.

During your thyroid biopsy you may be given a local anesthetic or a cold, numbing spray. This will only numb the area around the site of the procedure. You will remain fully awake. The technologist will scan you using an ultrasound probe. During the time when the needle is inserted we ask you not to talk or swallow. The doctor often will perform more than one biopsy/needle stick. The imaging physician will perform the biopsy and remove a tissue sample. This biopsy itself usually takes approximately 15-30 minutes.

How will I receive the results from my Ultrasound Exam?

Following your ultrasound exam at Southtowns Radiology, your images will be interpreted by one of our board-certified radiologists. They will provide a detailed report, which may include recommendations for follow up, to your healthcare provider. Reports are typically provided within 24 hours or on the next business day. You should expect to hear your scan results from your healthcare provider directly.

If you are enrolled in HEALTHeLINK, your images and our radiologist’s report will be available for your healthcare provider to access and to review electronically in your record. Southtowns Radiology will also send the report to any other medical professionals, including specialists or primary care providers, that you indicated should receive a copy.

Your healthcare providers are able to access the images taken during your ultrasound exam, and our radiologist’s report, anytime via our secure physician portal. Southtowns Radiology can provide copies of your ultrasound images on CD when requested by you or your provider.

If you still have questions—we’re here to help. Give us a call at 716.649.9000.