For standard diagnostic ultrasound there are no known harmful effects.
Ultrasound does not penetrate bone, and is therefore not readily used for imaging bones or joints. Fat and gas can also limit the ultrasound interpretation.
Other preparation depends on the type of examination you are scheduled for. Your physician will instruct you in advance about any preparation necessary.
The technologist will position you on the exam table. A warm gel will be spread on the area of interest. The technologist will move a transducer – a device that converts electrical energy into sound waves – over your skin. The procedure is painless and non-invasive.
Pelvic Ultrasound sometimes necessitates the use of a transducer in the vagina.
An ultrasound guided breast biopsy is a procedure by which the radiologist can obtain a sample of tissue from your breast without making a surgical incision. This procedure uses ultrasound to pinpoint the area that needs to be biopsied.
Any medications that you are taking, including aspirin, should be discussed when you make your appointment. There are no dietary restrictions before the procedure, but you may prefer a light meal so that you will be comfortable. A two-piece outfit and bra should be worn. Jewelry is best left at home. Please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your appointment.
The procedure takes approximately one hour. Before the procedure begins, you need to remove your clothing from the waist up and put on a gown. The technologist helps position you on the examination table. Sterile gel is applied to the breast. A microphone-like instrument is used by the radiologist to find the location of the area to be biopsied. The radiologist numbs the breast tissue with a local anesthetic. You may feel a pinch and slight pressure at that time. The biopsy is performed with a special needle used to obtain tissue for analysis.
After the procedure is complete, the technologist applies pressure to the area. Steri-Strips and a clear plastic cover are applied over the area. There may be slight pain and some bruising, but no scar. The radiologist and technologist review instructions for you to follow at home. You may resume full activity within a few days.
An ultrasound guided cyst aspiration is a procedure by which the radiologist removes fluid from inside a breast lump. The procedure is guided by ultrasound. The ultrasound produces images of your breast that guide the radiologist in locating the exact area of the cyst.
Any medication that you are taking, including aspirin, should be discussed when you make your appointment. There are no diet restrictions prior to the procedure, but you may prefer a light meal so that you will be more comfortable. A two piece outfit and bra should be worn. Jewelry is best left at home. Please arrive at least 30 minutes before your appointment.
An ultrasound-guided cyst aspiration takes about 30 - 60 minutes. Before the procedure begins, you will need to remove your clothing from the waist up and put on a gown. Once you are positioned on the examination table, a sterile gel is applied to the breast. A microphone-like instrument is used by the radiologist to find the location of the cyst. The radiologist will numb the breast tissue with a local anesthetic. You may feel a pinch and slight pressure at this time. The cyst is drained using a very fine needle and the fluid is sent for analysis.
After the procedure is complete, the technologist applies pressure to the area. An ice pack is placed over the site. There may be slight pain and bruising. The radiologist and technologist will review instructions for you to follow at home.
Approximately 30 to 40 percent of patients who have a mammogram will require some additional testing to help the radiologist determine whether an area of concern is a cyst, solid lesion or thick breast tissue. A targeted area of the breast is often requested by the radiologist.
