Your radiologist will move a wand-like device, called a transducer, over your skin to take images of your breasts. The transducer sends out waves that bounce off your breast tissue. The sound waves are too high-pitched for you to hear, but the transducer can pick up the bounced sound waves, which are then made into pictures of the inside of your breasts.

Depending on your procedure, your physician may also use another device called a Doppler probe, which allows your radiologist to hear the sounds waves the transducer sends out. With this device, they can hear how fast blood is flowing through a blood vessel and in which direction it is flowing. No sound, or a faint sound, may mean that you have a blockage in the flow.

Preparing for a breast ultrasound is easy because it is a low-risk, non-invasive procedure. Before beginning the procedure, your healthcare provider will explain the process and answer any questions you have. You may be asked to sign a consent form that gives permission to do the test. During this time, it is a good idea to ask any questions if something is not clear. You will not need any medication to help you relax.

You do not need to stop eating or drinking before the test, but you should not put any lotion, powder, or other substances on your breasts on the day of the test.

Do wear clothes that you can easily take off or clothes that allow the radiologist or technologist to reach your chest.