Ultrasound imaging has advantages over other forms of imaging, in that it’s able to produce real-time imaging of body processes as they take place, such as bloodflow and movement of joints. It uses no radiation, and thus is very accessible, often times requiring little to no preparation. The imaging can be used both in a diagnostic role, imaging the viewed body system, or in interventional procedures, such as draining fluid, biopsies or muskuloskeletal injections.

Anyone can have an Ultrasound. Ultrasounds have no known risks, since they use sound waves, rather than any form of radiation. Often times you may have an ultrasound procedure done the same day as another appointment as they tend to have very limited preparation required.

Abdominal ultrasound – looks at different organs in the abdomen including the liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, aorta, and bladder.

Small Parts ultrasound– ultrasound can be used to look at a number of different areas in the body such as soft tissue lumps, testicles, and thyroid gland – if a thyroid nodule is seen and determined to be abnormal, a thyroid fine needle aspiration, using ultrasound guidance, can be performed for diagnosis.

Breast ultrasound- If a patient has an abnormal mammogram or is feeling a palpable lump, ultrasound can be used to determine if everything is okay or if a biopsy is needed. Ultrasound guided breast biopsies can be performed at our office usually within a day or two of their initial ultrasound visit and results will be called to the patient the following day.

Pelvic and Obstetrical ultrasound – ultrasound is use to evaluate the uterus, ovaries and adnexal regions. It is also used to examine the fetus through the various stages of development as well as the maternal anatomy.

Vascular ultrasound- vascular ultrasound can be used to look at veins and/or arteries. This is often used to look for clots in the veins (DVT –deep vein thrombosis) or blockage in the arteries. Upper and lower veins and arteries can be imaged as well as carotid arteries in the neck and the abdominal aorta.

Echocardiogram ultrasound – used to evaluate the heart muscle and valves. A Cardiologist reads these images and reports back to the primary care doctor with results.

Liver Elastography – a recent use for sonography is the liver elastography test. This looks for fibrosis in the liver, a condition where blood flow to and inside the liver is reduced. Untreated, the buildup of fibrosis in the liver can lead to cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), liver cancer, or liver failure. Early testing and treatment can prevent or even reverse the effects of fibrosis. The test is measuring the stiffness of the liver -the greater the stiffness, the greater fibrosis that exists.

jacent structures. This can be used to determine the nature of a felt lump on the neck, or provide guidance for biopsies of these structures.