Alaska Open Imaging Center - Ultrasound and Doppler Imaging


			Ulrasound studies are offered at our Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Wasilla locations

Ultrasound imaging, also called ultrasound scanning or sonography is a method of obtaining images from inside the human body through the use of high-frequency sound waves. The reflected sound wave echoes are recorded and displayed as a real-time visual image. No ionizing radiation (x-ray) is involved in ultrasound imaging.

Ultrasound imaging is based on the same principles involved in the sonar used by bats, ships at sea and anglers with fish detectors. As the sound passes through the body, echoes are produced that can be used to identify how far away an object is, how large it is, its shape and its consistency (fluid, solid or mixed).

How does Ultrasound work?
The ultrasound transducer that is used to scan the body functions as both a generator of sound (like a speaker) and a detector (like a microphone). When the transducer is pressed against the skin it directs inaudible, high-frequency sound waves into the body. As the sound echoes from the body's fluids and tissues the transducer records the strength and character of the reflected waves. With Doppler ultrasound the microphone captures and records tiny changes in the sound wave's pitch and direction of the sound. These echoes are instantly measured and displayed by a computer, which in turn creates a real-time picture on the monitor. Still images of the examination are recorded digitally on a computer and moving images are recorded to videotape.

Ultrasound is a useful way of examining many of the body's internal organs, including but not limited to the heart, liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, bladder, arteries and veins. Because ultrasound images are captured in real time, they can show movement of internal tissues and organs and enable physicians to see blood flow and heart valve functions. This can help to diagnose a variety of heart conditions and to assess damage after a heart attack or other illness.

What are some common uses of Ultrasound?
Millions of expectant parents have seen the first "picture" of their unborn child with pelvic ultrasound examinations of the uterus and fetus. Ultrasound imaging is used extensively for evaluating pelvic and abdominal organs, heart and blood vessels, and can help a physician determine the source of pain, swelling or infection in many parts of the body. Because ultrasound provides real-time images it can also be used to guide procedures such as needle biopsies, in which needles are used to sample cells from organs for laboratory testing. Ultrasound is also used to evaluate superficial structures such as the thyroid gland and scrotum.

Doppler ultrasound is a special technique used to examine blood flow. Doppler images can help the physician to see and evaluate:

How should I prepare for Ultrasound?
You should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for your ultrasound exam. Other preparation depends on the type of examination you will have. For some scans you may be instructed not to eat or drink for as many as 12 hours before your appointment. For others you may be asked to drink up to six glasses of water one hour prior to your exam and avoid urinating so that your bladder is full when the scan begins.

The following preparatory information will be helpful depending on the location of the study:

Abdomen - Do not eat or drink anything (other than small amounts water) for the 6 hours prior to your exam. Please take any prescription medications as normal.
Abdominal Vascular – Do not eat or drink anything (other than small amounts of water) for 12 hours prior to your exam. Please take any prescription medications as normal.
Pelvic/OB - A full bladder is required. Drink four to six 8 oz. glasses of water and finish drinking 1 hour before your exam. Do not empty your bladder. Example: Your appointment is for 9:00 am, you should have finished drinking by 8:00 am.
Renal - 1 hour prior to your exam you must drink 32 oz of water. Do not urinate.
Cardiac and Vascular – No caffeine 1 hour prior to exam.

How is Ultrasound performed?
You are comfortably positioned on an examination table. A clear gel is applied to your body in the area to be examined to help the transducer make secure contact with the skin. The sound waves produced by the transducer cannot penetrate air so the gel helps eliminate air pockets between the transducer and the skin. Our ultrasound technologist, or sonographer, presses the transducer firmly against the skin and sweeps it back and forth to image the area of interest.

When the examination is complete you may be asked to dress and wait while the ultrasound images are reviewed by our radiologist. Often though, our radiologist will not need to review the ultrasound images in real time and you can be released immediately.

What will I experience during the Ultrasound procedure?
Most ultrasound examinations are painless, fast and easy. You will lie on your back on an examining table. Our sonographer will spread some warm gel on your skin and then press the transducer firmly against your body, moving it until the desired images are captured. There may be varying degrees of discomfort from pressure as our sonographer guides the transducer over your abdomen, especially if you are required to have a full bladder. The examination usually takes from 30 minutes to 1 ½ hours depending on the exam ordered.