Ultrasound Services

Ultrasound Resources What is an Ultrasound? Why Do I Need an Ultrasound? Ultrasound at GMC Preparing for an Ultrasound What to Expect What are the Risks of Ultrasound To Schedule Your Ultrasound Finding Out the Results Ultrasound Procedures Offered at GMC

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What is an Ultrasound?

Ultrasound Imaging, also known as sonography, is a method of obtaining images of the inside of your body through the use of high frequency sound waves. As sound passes through the body, echoes are produced that can identify how far away an object is, its size, shape, and consistency. The images are captured in real-time, allowing the physician to see the movement of internal tissues and organs.

Why do I Need an Ultrasound?

Ultrasound images show the movement and function of many internal organs and tissues as well as blood flow. It is used in the evaluation of the breast, pelvic and abdominal organs, thyroid, neonatal brain structure, and the heart and blood vessels. Detailed images of superficial structures are easily obtained. Ultrasound is also used to take pictures of unborn babies growing inside a mother’s uterus. Ultrasound is a dynamic guiding tool for physicians to use in minimally invasive procedures.

Ultrasound at GMC

GMC Ultrasound Department utilizes GE Logiq 9 state-of-the-art ultrasound scanners at all locations. The GE LOGIQ 9 Volume Ultrasound offers the most advanced technologies. These units are capable of high-definition three and four dimensional ultrasounds, that can be viewed in any plane and in real-time modes, which was previously not possible with traditional ultrasound systems. With this new technology, beautiful images of a fetus are created, and fetal movements are identified. Images can be rotated to reveal details previously unseen in two-dimensional imaging. This technology also allows for fewer re scans, improved patient comfort and shorter exam times.

• Reduces need for ultrasound re scans - volume ultrasound allows the physician to do virtual re scans and navigate or manipulate the image view, even after the patient has gone home.
• Patient comfort features improve the patient experience, including gel warmers and ergonomic design.
• GE's transducers are designed with patient comfort in mind, to reduce stress without compromising diagnostic capability.
• Faster patient exams - up to 60 to 70 percent.

Preparing for an Ultrasound

You should wear comfortable loose-fitting clothing. Some scans will require that you not eat or drink anything for as many as twelve hours prior to your exam. Other scans may require that you drink up to six glasses of water two hours before your exam without urinating to ensure a full bladder. Please ask your doctor if you have any prep instructions prior to coming in for your Ultrasound.

What to Expect

• After being positioned on an examination table, the ultrasound technician will apply a warm gel onto your skin over the area to be scanned.
• He or she will then press the transducer, a small hand-held device, firmly against your body, moving it until the desired images are captured. You may feel slight discomfort or pressure at times as the transducer is pressed against your body.
• As the exam takes place, you will be able to see the images on a screen that looks somewhat like a television or computer screen.
• The exam will most likely take less than 30 minutes.

What are the Risks of Ultrasound?

There are no known risks from ultrasound imaging. Ultrasound imaging is a painless, non-invasive procedure, requiring no use of radiation.

To Schedule Your Ultrasound

To schedule an exam or procedure, contact Scheduling at 678.312.3444.

To learn more about our locations or to schedule an appointment visit our Locations & Contacts page.

Finding out the Results

The radiologist analyzes the images and sends a report of the diagnosis to your referring doctor, who will then discuss the results of the Ultrasound examination with you.

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