Ultrasound

Ultrasound, or sonography, uses a small probe or “transducer” to send high-frequency sound waves into the body and catch the reflected sound waves. These reflected sound waves create images of body parts. This technology is like sonar technology. To enhance the signal strength, the technologist or physician places special gel on the body prior to placing the probe on the skin. Ultrasound exams are safe, painless and do not use ionizing radiation.

We use ultrasound for many things, including to:

• Detect internal injuries
• Examine internal organs and glands, such as your thyroid gland
• Guide biopsies
• Monitor blood flow

At the New England Baptist Hospital Radiology, we also perform a variety of ultrasound-guided procedures such as paralabral cyst aspiration and popliteal cyst aspiration.

Please call 617-754-6000 to pre-register prior to arriving for your exam. If you’ve pre-registered, report directly to Converse 2 Radiology. Please arrive 10 minutes before your appointment time for all ultrasounds.

If you do not pre-register prior to arriving for your ultrasound, please add an extra 30 minutes to the arrival times listed above and report directly to Patient Access (in the main hospital hallway) to register for your visit.

If you’ve had imaging performed at other facilities (CT, X-rays or MRI), please upload the digital files before coming in for your appointment. Use this secure portal to upload your images. Follow the on-screen instructions to create your account and upload your imaging exams.

We’ll then compare your prior images with the ultrasound we’re performing. This comparison helps the radiologist with the interpretation of your exam.

If you’re having an abdominal ultrasound, such as liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen or aorta, please follow these instructions:

• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight.
• Do not smoke or chew gum prior to your exam.
• Take medications with a small amount of water.

If you’re having a renal (kidney) ultrasound, including renal artery exams:

• Do not eat anything for six hours prior to your ultrasound.
• You should drink 16 ounces of water 30 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time.

If you’re having a pelvic or bladder ultrasound:

• You must have a full bladder.
• You should drink 32 ounces of fluid one hour before your appointment time.
• Do not empty your bladder prior to the exam.

The following types of ultrasounds have no food or drink restrictions:

• Breast
• Carotid
• Musculoskeletal (such as your shoulder, hand, wrist, elbow, foot, ankle or knee) 
• Prostate

Please wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing. Depending on the area of your body being scanned, you may be required to change clothes for your exam.

Only the patient can be in the ultrasound room. Patients under 18 must be accompanied by an adult (parent or legal guardian).

If you have a child, please make childcare arrangements for the time of your appointment. If you need to bring your child, another adult must accompany you. They’ll stay with your child in the waiting room while you have your scan.

After your ultrasound, you can resume your normal activities.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your ultrasound, please call 617-754-5647 to speak with an ultrasound technologist.