Ultrasound

Your doctor may recommend an ultrasound when real-time images of soft tissues, organs, or blood flow are needed, with the added benefit of a test that offers the safety of being entirely free of ionizing radiation. An ultrasound is often the first and most common imaging choice for pregnancy, as it allows doctors to monitor the growth and development the fetus, check for potential abnormalities and other issues, and estimate the due date. Beyond obstetrics, it is a key tool for diagnosing conditions in the abdomen and pelvis, such as gallstones, kidney stones, or appendicitis. It can also be used to evaluate organs like the thyroid, breasts, or prostate for masses, cysts, or inflammation. Furthermore, an ultrasound is vital for examining the circulatory system, allowing doctors to visualize blood flow and identify potential blockages, blood clots, or other vascular issues, such as those related to deep vein thrombosis (DVT)—a blood clot in a vein, most frequently in the leg or thigh, that can be life threatening if blood flow carries it to the lungs. Ultimately, an ultrasound is recommended when a safe, non-invasive, and dynamic view of internal structures is necessary. 

Below please find the instructions for how to prepare for your ultrasound examination. For all studies, please be sure to arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment with your referral from your doctor or we may be unable to perform your test.

Ultrasound Abdomen / Ultrasound Aorta / Ultrasound Appendix / Ultrasound Kidney Renal Artery: 

• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your procedure – including chewing gum (which causes gas bubbles that will “cloud” your exam).
• You may brush your teeth.
• Please continue to take your medication(s) as prescribed (it is ok to swallow medication with a small amount of water).

Ultrasound Pelvis (male or female) / Ultrasound Bladder / Ultrasound Kidneys Complete:

• Patient must drink 32 OZ of water 1 hour and 15 minutes prior to appointment time, finish drinking within 15 minutes, and hold. Do not empty your bladder until the Technologist advises you.
• Patient may eat; fasting is not required.

Ultrasound Pregnancy / Ultrasound Transabdominal:

• Patient must drink 20 OZ of water 1 hour and 15 minutes prior to appointment time, finish drinking within 15 minutes, and hold. Do not empty your bladder until the Technologist advises you.
• Patient may eat; fasting is not required.

A technologist will assist you onto the examination table. At this time, a water-based transmission gel will be applied to the area of your body that will be examined. A transducer will be moved slowly over the body part being imaged. The transducer sends a signal to an on-board computer which processes the data and produces the ultrasound image. It is from this image that the diagnosis is made.
You won’t feel a thing except for the slight pressure and movement of the transducer over the part of the body being imaged. It is important that you remain still and relaxed during the procedure. The ultrasound images will appear on a monitor similar to a TV screen.

This exam is available at the following locations:

• Princeton
• Mercerville
• Monroe 
• Freehold
• Marlboro
• Wayne
• Windsor 
• Mountain Lakes
• Newfoundland