Ultrasound is a medical procedure using high frequency sound waves. There is no radiation used in Ultrasound. Devices we call “Probes” send and receive these sound waves producing real time pictures. These pictures include various body parts, organs, and blood flow.
An ultrasound exam takes on average 30 minutes but can take up to 2.5 hours
At Women’s College Hospital we offer:
- all general ultrasounds (abdomen, pelvis)
- obstetrical imaging
Are you having an ultrasound? Click on one of the following options for more information on what to expect.
-
I'm having an abdominal ultrasound
-
What do I need to do to prepare?
If your appointment is in the morning, don’t have anything to eat or drink after midnight. You may take any medications with a small amount of water. If your appointment is in the afternoon, have a light fat-free breakfast at 7 a.m., such as dry toast and a clear beverage, then don’t have anything else until after your test is done.
-
What will I feel during the scan?
You will feel slight pressure while a sonographer moves a hand-held device called a transducer across the skin to obtain images.
-
What am I supposed to do after my exam?
No followup care is required.
-
When can I expect results?
A report will be sent to your doctor within 10 days.
-
What do I need to do to prepare?
-
I’m having a pelvic ultrasound (non-pregnant)
-
What do I need to do to prepare?
These exams do not require fluid intake before the exam. Do not drink any fluids 4 hours before your appointment. This includes coffee and tea. Do not empty your bladder for 2 hours before your appointment. If you need to take medication before your appointment, drink only a small amount to help swallow the medication.
-
What will I feel during the scan?
You will feel slight pressure while a sonographer moves a hand-held device called a transducer across the skin to obtain images.
-
What am I supposed to do after my exam?
No followup care is required.
-
When can I expect results?
A report will be sent to your doctor within 10 days.
-
What do I need to do to prepare?
-
I’m having an abdominal and pelvic ultrasound
-
What do I need to do to prepare?
Combined abdominal and pelvic ultrasounds require you to fast for four to six hours. Do not empty your bladder for two hours prior to the examination. You can have a small amount of water and take your medications. If you have diabetes you can have some tea and dry toast. You can take your medications as required.
-
What will I feel during the scan?
You will feel slight pressure while a sonographer moves a hand-held device called a transducer across the skin to obtain images.
-
What am I supposed to do after my exam?
No followup care is required.
-
When can I expect results?
A report will be sent to your doctor within 10 days.
-
What do I need to do to prepare?
-
I’m having a pregnancy (obstetrical) ultrasound
-
What do I need to do to prepare?
Eat and drink as you normally would. You are not required to drink extra fluids before your ultrasound, but do not empty your bladder for one hour before your exam.
-
What will I feel during the scan?
You will feel slight pressure while a sonographer moves a hand-held device called a transducer across the skin to obtain images.
-
What am I supposed to do after my exam?
No followup care is required.
-
When can I expect results?
A report will be sent to your doctor within 10 days.
-
What do I need to do to prepare?
-
I'm having a sonohysterogram
-
What do I need to do to prepare?
Patients with no previous exam done at either Women’s College Hospital, Mt. Sinai Hospital or University Health Network should refrain from emptying your bladder two hours prior to examination. Patients with recent (within six weeks) exams at one of these hospitals do not require preparation. Take the recommended dose of ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) or any other pain medication you normally take for menstrual pain, 30 minutes prior to the scheduled examination time.
-
What will I feel during the exam?
You may feel mild uterine cramping similar to menstrual cramps.
-
How long will the exam last?
The first part of the exam usually takes about 15 minutes and the second part of the exam takes about 20 minutes.
-
What am I supposed to do after my exam?
In order to reduce the risk of infection, patients are to have nothing in the vaginal cavity for 48 hours following the procedure: no douching, swimming, hot tubs, baths (showers only), no sexual intercourse or tampons (only sanitary napkins).
-
When can I expect results?
A report will be sent to your doctor within 10 days.
-
What do I need to do to prepare?
