Ultrasound

Ultrasound is a safe, non-invasive imaging examination that uses high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images of structures inside the body. Ultrasound does not use radiation, making it commonly used for a wide variety of medical assessments. Ultrasound can help evaluate organs, muscles, tendons, blood flow, soft tissues, and developing pregnancies, and is frequently used to assist in diagnosing pain, swelling, infections, cysts, gallstones, vascular conditions, and other medical concerns. During the examination, a specially trained technologist applies a water-based gel to the skin and uses a small handheld device called a transducer over the area being examined. The gel helps the transducer maintain good contact with the skin and allows the sound waves to travel clearly to produce detailed images for interpretation by a radiologist. The professional health care worker providing these services is called an ultrasound technologist or diagnostic medical sonographer.

How to Prepare:

To prepare for your ultrasound at Erin Diagnostic Imaging, preparation may vary depending on the type of exam you are having. A detailed list of preparation instructions for each type of ultrasound can be found in our Preparation section to help you arrive fully ready for your exam. For some ultrasounds, you may be asked to arrive with a full bladder or to avoid eating or drinking for a certain period of time. In other cases, no special preparation is required.

We recommend wearing comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the area being examined, as you may be asked to change into a gown. Please bring your requisition form and health card to your appointment, and arrive a few minutes early to allow time for check-in.

If you are unsure about any specific instructions for your exam, our team will be happy to provide guidance when you book or before your appointment.

What Happens During my Ultrasound:

During your ultrasound at Erin Diagnostic Imaging, you will be welcomed by our team and brought into a private exam room, where the technologist will ask you to confirm your requisition and health information and explain the procedure and answer any questions you may have. You may be asked to change into a gown depending on the area being examined and to lay or sit on the examination table.

A gel will be applied to the skin over the area being scanned, and a small handheld device called a transducer will be moved across the skin. This allows real-time images of your internal structures to be captured using sound waves. The exam is non-invasive, and the technologist will work with you to obtain the diagnostic images. You may be asked to take deep breaths and hold your breath or hold certain positions depending on the body part that is being examined.

Once the images are complete, the technologist will ensure all required views are obtained before you are free to go. Your images will then be reviewed by a radiologist, and the report will be sent to your referring healthcare provider.

Who Performs and Reports my Ultrasound Exam?

Your ultrasound imaging will be performed by a qualified ultrasound technologist or sonographer. Ultrasound technologists are a regulated profession in the province of Ontario as Medical Diagnostic Sonographers (DMS).

Please note that legally a sonographer is unable to answer any questions pertaining to the results of your examination, as the Radiologist will be the personnel responsible for providing that information relating to your examination.

Once your images have been taken, our experienced Radiologists view and interpret the images and compile a report for your referring health care provider.