Ultrasound

Diagnostic ultrasound is an imaging method that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of structures within your body. The images can provide valuable information for diagnosing and treating various diseases and conditions. 

Most ultrasound examinations use an ultrasound device outside your body, although some exams involve placing a device inside your body. 

Some ultrasound uses include: 

• Viewing the uterus and ovaries during pregnancy and monitoring the developing baby’s health 
• Diagnosing gallbladder disease 
• Evaluating blood flow 
• Guiding a needle for biopsy or tumour treatment 
• Examining a breast lump 
• Checking your thyroid gland 
• Detecting genital and prostate problems 
• Assessing joint inflammation  
• Evaluating metabolic bone disease

Abdominal Ultrasound:
An Abdominal Ultrasound is used to examine internal organs such as the liver, kidneys, and bladder. As images are real-time, abdominal ultrasounds can show the movement of tissue and organs and blood flow. This can real-time imaging help diagnose various conditions and to assess damage caused by illness. 

Breast Ultrasound:
This test uses sound waves to assess blood flow in your breasts. A physician may order a breast ultrasound when changes are detected on a mammogram or felt but not visible. Ultrasound is safe during pregnancy as it doesn’t involve radiation. Additionally, it helps examine lymph nodes, guide biopsies, and drain fluid from cysts. 

Obstetric Ultrasound: 
Obstetric ultrasound is the specialized use of sound waves to visualize and determine the condition of a pregnant woman and her embryo or fetus. Obstetric ultrasound should be performed only when clinically indicated, such as to: 

• establish the presence of a living embryo/fetus 
• estimate the age of the pregnancy 
• diagnose congenital abnormalities 
• evaluate the position of the fetus 
• evaluate the position of the placenta 
• determine if there are multiple pregnancies 

Pelvic Ultrasound:
This test examines the uterus and ovaries in women and monitors the health of the embryo or fetus during pregnancy. Millions of expectant parents have seen the first “picture” of their unborn child thanks to pelvic ultrasound examinations of the uterus and fetus. For men, it focuses on the bladder and prostate gland. There are three methods of performing pelvic ultrasound: abdominal (transabdominal), vaginal (transvaginal, endovaginal) in women, and rectal (transrectal) in men. 

Vascular (Carotid & Abdominal Aorta) Ultrasound: 
Ultrasound of the carotid arterial system provides a fast, non-invasive means of identifying blockages of blood flow in the neck arteries to the brain that might produce a stroke or mini-stroke. Ultrasound of the abdominal aorta is primarily used to evaluate for an aneurysm, an abnormal enlargement of the aorta usually from atherosclerotic disease. 

A typical ultrasound exam takes between 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Ultrasounds are usually painless. However, you may experience mild discomfort as the sonographer guides the transducer over your body or inserts it into your body, especially if you are required to have a full bladder.

Preparing for your ultrasound: 

Ultrasound tests vary in their requirements. Some may require no preparation, while others may involve drinking a substantial amount of liquid beforehand or fasting for several hours. It’s essential to consult your physician for specific instructions regarding your test. 

Before the ultrasound, you may need to remove any jewelry in the area under examination. Additionally, you may need to change into a gown by removing your clothing. 

During your ultrasound:  

During your ultrasound, you’ll need to lie on an examination table. A water-based gel is applied to the skin over the targeted area. The gel is easily removable from both the skin and clothing, if necessary. 

A skilled technician, known as a sonographer, will utilize a small handheld device called a transducer. The transducer is placed against the area of interest and moved as required to capture the images. By emitting sound waves into your body, the transducer collects the returning waves and sends them to a computer, creating the ultrasound images. 

After your ultrasound: 

Once your ultrasound is complete, you can return to your normal activities.  

For more information about our ultrasound services in Ontario, visit myhealthcentre.ca  

You can use the WELL Clinics website to quickly find an ultrasound clinic near you. If you have a referral or requisition, select the button below to book an appointment.

If you don’t have a referral or requisition but would like to request an ultrasound, book with your family doctor. Alternatively, you can use our clinic map to find a primary care clinic or telehealth service and request a referral.