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Ultrasound

Ultrasound is an imaging procedure that uses sound waves to create an image.  Ultrasound can be used to view many different organs and body parts (liver, blood vessels, kidneys, thyroid, fetus, breast lumps, etc.).  

Ultrasound gives information to help radiologists diagnose illness or to guide procedures such as: 

  • Diagnose disease in abdomen and pelvis 
  • Check blood flow in vessels 
  • Guide a needle for biopsy or other procedure 
  • Check a breast lump 
  • Check the thyroid gland 
  • Check fetuses  

What can I expect during my ultrasound?

  • You will sit or lie down on a stretcher in a darkened room.
  • In the room, the sonographer will explain the test and may ask you some questions.
  • The sonographer will use a small amount of gel and will move an ultrasound probe over parts of your body.
  • The ultrasound machine will convert the sound waves into images.
  • Ultrasounds are usually painless. You may have mild discomfort as the sonographer moves the transducer over your body. It may be necessary for the sonographer to apply pressure on the area.
  • During the procedure, you may have to change positions and take deep breaths and/or hold your breath.
  • The duration of the procedure depends on the type of exam.

How do I prepare for the ultrasound?

Depending on the type of ultrasound exam requested, you may not need to do any type of preparation.

 

Abdomen ultrasound (liver, gallbladder, kidneys, pancreas, aorta and spleen)

Instructions: Do not eat or drink for 6 hours or more before exam.

Duration: 30 minutes

 

Abdominal and Pelvic

Instructions: Do not eat for 6 hours AND finish drinking 2 bottles of water (or 34oz or 1000ml) one hour before exam.

Duration: 60 minutes

 

Breast Ultrasound

Instructions: No preparation.

Duration: 30 minutes

 

Pelvic Ultrasound (bladder, prostate or uterus and ovaries)

Instructions: Come with a full bladder (drink 2 bottles of water (34oz, 1000ml) one hour before).

Duration: 30 minutes

 

Testicular/Scrotal Ultrasound

Instructions: No preparation.

Duration: 30 minutes

 

Thyroid Ultrasound

Instructions: No preparation.

Duration: 30 minutes

 

Viability, Dating, Nuchal Translucency (eFTS)

Instructions: Have a full bladder. Drink 30 ounces (900ml) of water one hour before exam.

Duration: 30 minutes

 

Fetal Anatomy (Morphology)

Instructions: Drink two cups of water before exam (bladder should not be full or empty).

Duration: 60 minutes

 

Biophysical profile (BPP)/Growth/AFI

Instructions: Drink two cups of water before exam (bladder should not be full or empty).

Duration: 30 minutes

 

Carotid

Instructions: No preparation.

Duration: 30 minutes

 

Arterial or Venous Doppler

Instructions: No preparation.

Duration: 30 minutes (per limb)

 

Renal Doppler

Instructions: Do not eat for 6 hours before exam.

Duration: 60 minutes

 
Contact Us
Address- Ramsey Lake Health Centre 

Health Sciences North
Level 2, South Tower or North Tower
41 Ramsey Lake Road
Sudbury, Ontario, P3E 5J1

Hours of operation: 7:00am – 11:30pm

Address- Sudbury Outpatient Centre

865 Regent Street South – 5th Floor
Sudbury Ontario, P3E 3Y9

Hours of operation: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. 

Address- Regent Street

2120 Regent Street South – Unit 11
Sudbury Ontario , P3E 3Z9

Hours of operation: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Phone: 705-523-7277

Fax: 705-523-7043