Lakeside MRI &
Diagnostic Center
17360 Hwy 3
Webster, TX 77598
Fax: (281) 554-8407
ULTRASOUND SCAN
Ultrasound (Sonography) is imaging that uses a small, hand-held probe to emit and receive high-frequency sound waves that produce live, detailed images of organs, muscles, tissues, blood vessels and other soft structures.
The sound waves travel through the body until they hit a dense material, then they bounce back. The denser the object, the greater the bounce back. It is this echo that gives the image its features, which vary in shades of gray according to differing densities. These images are used by physicians to diagnose and treat medical conditions, such as internal pain, infection and swelling, without the use of radiation.With no known harmful effects, ultrasound scanning is the preferred method of viewing internal medical issues when possible for pregnant patients.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR AN ULTRASOUND SCAN
Before you schedule your Ultrasound scan, let your physician know about any prescription and over-the-counter drugs, as well as herbal supplements, that you are taking.
Also, let your physician know if any of the following apply to you:
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Allergies to latex
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Allergies to "water-based gel"
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Are being treated for any other medical problem
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Are experiencing pain or other symptoms
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Have ever been diagnosed with cancer
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Have had any prior surgeries
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Have experienced trauma or injury recently
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Have had other diagnostic tests for this condition
AFTER SCHEDULING AN ULTRASOUND
After you schedule your Ultrasound scan, be sure to fill out your forms on the Patient Portal any time before you arrive at your appointment.
Note: Using a Lakeside-assigned SID number to complete your forms while at the facility does not set up a patient account. Please set up your account and complete your forms beforehand to access your medical information in the future.
THE DAY OF AN ULTRASOUND SCAN
On the day of the Ultrasound scan, it is advised that you wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.
While most Ultrasound scans do not require preparation, there are some exceptions depending on the area that is to be examined. You may be asked prior to the exam to do one of the following:
• Fast (do not eat or drink) for a specific time period
• Not eat, but continue to drink water and take approved medications
• Drink a specified amount of water and avoid urinating, or
• Not change your schedule at all
If you are not asked to follow specific instructions, then continue taking medications, eating, and drinking as normal.
WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN
HAVING AN ULTRASOUND
Before the Ultrasound Scan Begins
Before the Ultrasound scan, you may be asked to change into a gown and remove any jewelry from the area being examined.
You will then lie on the examination table and the Ultrasound technologist will position you for best imaging results and provide a pillow and blanket for comfort. The room will be moderately dim so that the technologist has the best viewing ability. A guest may be in the room with you.
Before the Ultrasound scan begins, the Ultrasound technologist will explain the process and answer any questions you may have.
During the Ultrasound Scan
For an external Ultrasound scan, the technologist will apply a water-based gel on your skin in the area that is being examined. The gel will give a cool sensation. The technologist will then glide the small hand-held probe over the area needing to be imaged. You should not feel any discomfort during this exam.
For an internal Ultrasound scan, the probe is modified and inserted into a natural opening in your body. You may feel mild discomfort during the internal exam.
Given the pitch of the sound waves is inaudible to human ears, you will not hear any noise from the scan. If given specific instructions prior to the exam, you may feel a bit uncomfortable as a result of being hungry, thirsty or having a full bladder.
In general, the Ultrasound scan can take anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour, depending on the area(s) being examined. However, you are not required to be still throughout the duration, and you are able to converse with the technologist freely.
After the Ultrasound Scan
After the Ultrasound scan, the technologist will review the images and video to see if anything additional is required. Once satisfied with the captured results, they will wipe the gel off the imaged areas, allow you to get dressed, if needed, and then you will be released.
If you were fasting, the technologist will offer you a snack pack before leaving. At this time, you should be able to resume normal activities.
Some physicians will request that you bring a CD of the results with you to your follow up appointment; however, most often results are electronically sent to the radiologist for review and then their report is sent directly to your referring physician. Patients are then asked to make a follow up appointment with your doctor to discuss the results.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ABOUT ULTRASOUND
What is an Ultrasound Scan?
Ultrasound (Sonography) is imaging that uses a small, hand-held probe to emit and receive high-frequency sound waves that produce live, detailed images of organs, muscles, tissues, blood vessels and other soft structures.
The sound waves travel through the body until they hit a dense material, then they bounce back. The denser the object, the greater the bounce back. It is this echo that gives the image its features, which vary in shades of gray according to differing densities. These images are used by physicians to diagnose and treat medical conditions, such as internal pain, infection and swelling, without the use of radiation. With no known harmful effects, ultrasound scanning is the preferred method of viewing internal medical issues when possible for pregnant patients.
How long does an Ultrasound scan take?
An Ultrasound scan itself takes anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour, depending on the area being examined. However, preparation will take a few minutes before the Ultrasound scan begins and another couple of minutes after.
Can I get an Ultrasound scan if I am pregnant?
Since Ultrasound scanning does not use radiation, it is the preferred method for examining pregnant patients.
What are the side effects from an Ultrasound scan?
Ultrasound scanning has no known side effects and does not use radiation.
until
FATAL
SILENT
Abdominal
Aortic
Aneurysm
15-Minute Ultrasound
Non-invasive, Painless & Covered by Most Insurances
Make life-saving changes before it's too late.
MOST DO NOT HAVE SYMPTOMS
60-80% mortality at rupture, 40% mortality in-hospital
Risk Factors
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Age 40+, most urgent for 65-75
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Gender (men are more at risk)
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Family history or Genetics
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Smoking or Emphysema
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High Blood Pressure
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Diabetes or Obesity
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High Cholesterol
Warning Signs
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Intense abdominal or back pain
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Nausea and vomiting
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Shortness of breath
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Excessive Sweating
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Rapid Pulse
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Dizziness
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Shock
FIRST ULTRASOUND SCREENING
100% COVERED BY MEDICARE
ROGER D.
Very well run facility. Very professional. Clean, comfortable and easy peazy. Highly recommend.
AMY JO O.
WOW!! What a wonderful experience I had here at Lakeside! From the appointment scheduling, the timeliness of getting me back to the room for my ultrasound... what a pleasant and positive experience!! Thank you so much!!
GLEN R.
Great place to get imaging done. From IV to patients care, wonderful experience for us.
