Ultrasound technology is invaluable for diagnosing internal health problems, monitoring the progress of your fetus during pregnancy, and treating soft tissue injuries. Ivan Carreras, MD, of Carreras Medical Center in Hialeah, Florida, provides an on-site state-of-the-art ultrasound facility, ensuring the finest diagnostic tools and treatment for patients without the inconvenience of traveling to a hospital. For a swift and accessible consultation, call Carreras Medical Center today or make an appointment online.
Ultrasound Q & A
What is an ultrasound?
Ultrasound, or sonography, is a technology that uses sound waves to generate images of your internal organs and tissues.
The ultrasound machine creates a high-frequency sound beyond the range of human hearing via a tool called a transducer. The sound waves bounce off of the soft tissues, creating an image that your technologist can see on a computer screen.
What is ultrasound used for?
Ultrasound is best known for its role in checking on your fetus during pregnancy, but it’s also used for a wide range of other diagnostic tests. With an ultrasound, Dr. Carreras can examine your:
- Blood vessels
- Liver
- Gallbladder
- Spleen
- Pancreas
- Kidneys
- Bladder
- Uterus and ovaries
- Testicles
- Thyroid gland
As well as the traditional external ultrasound, there are several forms of internal ultrasound. Examples of internal ultrasound include transvaginal ultrasound for examining your uterus and ovaries and transrectal ultrasound to examine your prostate gland.
Different types of imaging are available as well; for example, Doppler ultrasound creates images of blood flow through your veins. This is invaluable for diagnosing deep vein thrombosis and blocked arteries.
Your provider also uses ultrasound to guide them when they’re undertaking procedures such as needle biopsies, and for therapeutic purposes, diagnosing and treating certain soft tissue injuries.
What is it like to have an ultrasound?
An ultrasound exam is a simple procedure that the skilled technologists at Carreras Medical Center perform in-house. Once you’re comfortable on the examination table, your technologist applies a gel to the part of your body being scanned to ensure the transducer slides easily over your skin.
You shouldn’t feel any pain, just the sensation of the transducer moving over your skin and occasionally applying mild pressure. The scan typically takes between 30-60 minutes. Once it’s over, you can carry on with your day.
Ultrasound is one of the safest forms of diagnostic testing. Unlike X-rays and CT scans, ultrasound doesn’t use ionizing radiation.
With an on-site, state-of-the-art ultrasound facility for your convenience, the health care team at Carreras Medical Center ensures you receive prompt and expert care at all times. Call the center today to find out more, or make an appointment online.
