Serving Michigan

Ultrasound

Ultrasound (medical sonography) uses sound waves to take pictures of the inside of your body. This noninvasive test does not use radiation, making it one of the safest imaging techniques.

Our caring team is experienced in performing ultrasound tests for all ages and a wide range of health needs. We walk you through every step, so you know what to expect. 

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Ultrasound at Trinity Health Michigan: Why Choose Us?

Our ultrasound technologists are specially trained in the best ways to get clear images. Then, our board-certified radiologists carefully study and interpret your images. These physicians have the highest level of training in medical imaging, so you can feel confident in your results.

We focus on your comfort during your ultrasound. Your technologist provides you with a blanket or pillow while we perform the scan and walks you through each step. Our technologists cannot discuss any findings on your test, but they answer questions about the process and help you feel at ease.

Types of Ultrasound Tests We Perform

Our team is skilled in performing ultrasound imaging for many body systems:

  • Abdominal ultrasound views liver, gallbladder, aorta, pancreas, spleen and other organs.
  • Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) checks how your heart’s chambers and valves are working.
  • Female gynecological ultrasound views the uterus and ovaries or detects an early pregnancy.
  • Lymph node ultrasound evaluates lymph nodes in superficial areas of the body (neck, head, axilla, groin).
  • Musculoskeletal can also view muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints and nerves.
  • Obstetric (pregnancy) ultrasound checks the baby during first, second and third trimesters.
  • Pelvic or urinary ultrasound views the bladder, kidneys and prostate.
  • Transcranial doppler diagnoses ischemic stroke.
  • Vascular ultrasound views veins and arteries throughout the body.

Our radiologists also use ultrasound during certain medical procedures, including:

  • Needle biopsies removes a tissue sample to check for abnormal cells
  • Paracentesis removes excess fluid (peritoneal fluid) from the abdomen
  • Thoracentesis fluid removal from chest cavity

Preparing for Your Ultrasound

Many ultrasounds do not require special preparation and take less than an hour to complete. You may need to follow specific instructions if you are having an ultrasound for:

  • Aorta or inferior vena cava (IVC): Stop eating and drinking eight hours before your appointment.
  • Gallbladder, kidneys, liver, pancreas or spleen: Stop eating and drinking eight hours before your appointment.
  • Kidneys: Do not eat or drink for six hours before your exam.
  • Kidneys with bladder: Do not eat or drink for six hours before your exam. Then, about two hours before your appointment, drink 32 ounces of water. Plan to finish this water one hour before your appointment. Your bladder must be full during your test, so do not go to the bathroom after you drink the water.
  • Pelvis or obstetric (pregnancy): Eat a typical diet. Finish 32 ounces of clear fluid one hour before your appointment. Your bladder must be full for the test, so do not go to the bathroom after you drink.
  • Prostate: Give yourself a fleet enema within one hour of your appointment time. You can purchase a fleet enema at any pharmacy.

What to Expect During Your Ultrasound

On the day of your procedure, follow your exam prep for eating and drinking. Arrive 15 minutes before your appointment time. When it’s time for your scan:

  1. A team member guides you to a private changing area to put on a hospital gown if needed.
  2. Our ultrasound technologist helps you position yourself on a padded exam table. We provide blankets and pillows for comfort.
  3. We apply a clear gel to your skin that helps the ultrasound transducer glide easily. It also helps the technologist get clear, detailed pictures.

After your test, you get dressed and continue with your usual activities, unless your provider tells you otherwise. You should not experience any pain or side effects.

Getting Your Results

Our certified radiologists review your images and create a detailed report. They send this report to your referring provider. If you have not received your results within five business days, contact your referring provider.