Breast ultrasound (or breast sonogram) is one of the safest and most decisive imaging options available today. They are useful for evaluating nodules, lumps, dense breasts, and more and can differentiate between fluid-filled cysts and solid masses. Commonly they are used along with mammograms to screen for breast cancer or as a guide for biopsies.
Ultrasounds, or sonograms, are performed at every ZP location. Our state-of-the-art high resolution ultrasound systems obtain images of internal organs and other soft-tissue structures inside the body. Our certified medical sonographers are dedicated to taking the time necessary to provide quality service to all of our patients. Ultrasound is a safe and painless test that uses high frequency sound waves to produce images. The sound waves cannot be heard or felt. Still and moving real-time images can be captured during an ultrasound.
There are no risks from an ultrasound. It is non-invasive and does not expose you to any radiation.
trophon®at ZP
Every ZP location uses trophon® on ultrasound probes. trophon® is a breakthrough disinfection technology for ultrasound probe reprocessing. With the ever increasing challenges in the fight against the spread of Healthcare Acquired Infections (HAIs), trophon’s powerful disinfection technology is setting a new benchmark in protecting patients. At the same time it safeguards staff and the environment from the dangerous hazards and toxic side effects of traditional disinfection methods.
There are no risks from an ultrasound. It is non-invasive and does not expose you to any radiation.
Ultrasound imaging uses the same principles of SONAR that were developed during World War I for tracking submarines. It was not used for medical purposes until the late 1940’s.
To produce images, a transducer, or probe, is placed on your skin and pulses of sound waves are sent through your body. As the sound waves pass through the body, they produce echoes which are received by the transducer and sent to the computer. The echoes are analyzed and converted into images, which in turn create real-time pictures on the monitor. This helps to determine the shape, size, and composition of organs and tissues.
Since ultrasound records images in real time, it is especially useful for examining blood flow and guiding needle biopsy procedures.
Depending on the area being studied, you may be asked to change into a gown.
Before the exam starts, the ultrasound technologist will confirm that any special preparation necessary was followed. You will then be asked to lie down on a comfortably padded examination table.
A small amount of gel will be placed on the area being examined. This gel is harmless and can be easily wiped clean after the exam. The gel prevents any air from getting between the transducer (ultrasound probe) and your skin. This direct contact between the probe and your skin helps the transducer deliver sound waves into your body efficiently.
The ultrasound technologist will place the transducer gently on your skin where the gel was applied and move the probe around slowly. Changing the direction or the angle of the probe allows the sonographer to get the best possible images of the organ or tissue being examined.
Aortic/Abdominal
Nothing to eat drink, chew, or smoke for six hours prior to your exam.
Breast/Scrotal/Thyroid
No preparation required.
Color Flow Doppler
No preparation required.
Pelvic/Obstetrical
A full bladder is necessary for the exam. Have breakfast and/or lunch. Women must drink at least 32 oz. of water, finishing 1 hour prior to your exam. Men must drink at least 16 oz. of water, finishing 1 hour prior to your exam. Do not empty your bladder.
Prostate
Take a fleet enema at least one hour prior to the exam. Have nothing to eat or drink after the fleet enema.
Renal
Drink a 16 oz. glass of water one hour prior to study. Do not void.
Renal Arterial Study
Have nothing to eat, drink, chew, or smoke for six hours prior to your exam. In addition, consult your physician before taking Gas-X one hour before the exam.
Learn about Different Types of Ultrasound Exams
Breast Ultrasound
Ob/Gyn Ultrasound
We provide advanced ultrasound imaging of the female pelvis for a variety of conditions.
Transabdominal ultrasound is a noninvasive diagnostic exam that allows quick visualization of the female pelvic organs and structures including the uterus, cervix, vagina, fallopian tubes, and ovaries by passing a transducer back and forth over the lower stomach. A transabdominal ultrasound is often done to look for large uterine fibroids or other problems.
A transvaginal ultrasound is performed to look for problems with fertility or pregnancy. In rare cases, a hysterosonogram is done to look at the inside of the uterus by filling the uterus with fluid during a transvaginal ultrasound.
We also perform obstetrical ultrasound to provide pictures of an embryo or fetus within a woman's uterus, as well as the mother's uterus and ovaries.
Doppler Ultrasound
Color flow Doppler ultrasound is utilized to visualize blood flow through blood vessels. Images of the arteries or veins are used to determine whether or not there is restricted blood flow that could lead to strokes, pulmonary embolism, and other harmful conditions. If you have symptoms of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), such as swelling or pain in your leg, your doctor may recommend a Doppler ultrasound to make sure you do not have a blood clot that is restricting or stopping blood flow.
Carotid Doppler ultrasound produces pictures of the carotid arteries in the neck which carry blood from the heart to the brain. It is most frequently used to screen patients for stenosis, or a blockage or narrowing of the carotid arteries, which increases the risk of stroke.
Echocardiography
An echocardiogram is an ultrasound test that evaluates the structures of the heart, as well as the direction of blood flow within it. Technologists specially trained in echocardiography produce the images and videos, often using a special probe or transducer. The probe is placed in various places on the chest wall, allowing them to view the heart from different directions. Cardiologists are trained to evaluate these images and assess heart function.
Musculoskeletal Ultrasound
Musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging produces pictures of muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints throughout the body. It is used to help diagnose sprains, strains, tears, and other soft tissue conditions. Ultrasound is also used to guide needles during musculoskeletal injections, such as during an arthrogram.
