Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to generate images the radiologists can view in real time. The sound waves bounce off interior tissues and organs and the return echoes create images. Ultrasound is a useful, non-invasive way for your doctor to evaluate symptoms like pain, swelling and infection.
Breast Ultrasound
Breast ultrasound is frequently used to evaluate a breast lump or area of concern found during a breast exam or mammogram. The exam helps determine if the area is a cyst, fluid-filled or a solid tumor. Advanced Radiology uses the Aixplorer® ultrasound system with patented ShearWave™ Elastography technology that provides clear, distinct imaging to help identify previously unseen lesions and may reduce the number of unnecessary biopsies. Depending on the results of this exam, an Ultrasound-Guided-Biopsy may still be required. Since ultrasound provides images in real time, it is used to guide biopsy procedures to obtain an accurate tissue sample for analysis.
Pelvic Ultrasound
A pelvic ultrasound helps diagnose problems when a woman experiences pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding or other menstrual problems. It generates images of the structures and organs in the lower abdomen and pelvis, including reproductive organs, including uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, ovaries and bladder. Ultrasound helps identify uterine fibroids, polyps, malignancies, endometrial adhesions or atrophy. Some pelvic ultrasound exams are conducted by placing the ultrasound transducer (wand or probe) directly on the skin of the abdomen, while some exams require a transducer be placed inside the vagina to provide the most detailed images.
Women’s Ultrasound Imaging exams are available at the following Advanced Radiology locations
Call to Schedule: 203-337-XRAY (9729)
Fairfield – 1055 Post Road
Shelton – 4 Corporate Drive, Suite 182
Stamford – 1259 E Main Street
Stratford – 2876 Main Street
Trumbull – 15 Corporate Drive
Trumbull – Advanced Women’s Imaging Center – 15 Corporate Drive
Orange – 297 Boston Post Road
Preparation
Ultrasound exams are pain-free and usually take 20 to 30 minutes. The technologist places gel on the skin of the area to be examined, and then moves the ultrasound transducer, or wand, over the skin.
Breast Ultrasound Preparation
No preparation is required. If a biopsy is to be performed, no aspirin should be taken for 5-7 days prior to the procedure.
Pelvic Ultrasound Preparation
It is very important for your bladder to be full when you arrive since the distended bladder allows the radiologist to fully visualize the structures of the abdomen. You must drink one quart of water (four 8-oz. glasses) and FINISH it one hour before the exam. You MAY NOT URINATE after you’ve finished drinking the water. You may eat normally for breakfast and/or lunch.
Transvaginal Ultrasound Preparation
If you HAVE NOT had a transvaginal ultrasound at Advanced Radiology before, it is very important for your bladder to be full when you arrive, since the distended bladder allows the radiologist to fully visualize the structures of the abdomen. You must drink one quart of water (four 8-oz. glasses) and FINISH it one hour before the exam. You MAY NOT URINATE after you’ve finished drinking the water. You may eat normally for breakfast and/or lunch.
If you HAVE had a transvaginal ultrasound at Advanced Radiology before, there is no preparation. You will be asked to empty your bladder prior to the exam.