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ULTRASOUND
We are happy to announce that the Ultrasound Department
at all three of the Cambridge Health Alliance campuses received
the highly competitive Accreditation from the American College
of Radiology with the highest scores possible! Congratulations
to our outstanding team!
What is ultrasound and how does
it work?
What is it like to have an ultrasound?
How do I prepare for an ultrasound?
How do I make an appointment?
Referral information for physicians.
Additional
information on Ultrasound.
What is ultrasound and how does it work?
Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create
pictures of the body. It works using a transducer, which sends sound
waves into your body and collects them after they bounce off tissues.
A computer collects these sound waves and creates an image of the
tissues. Doctors look at these images to be sure that the body is
working like it should.
Ultrasound exams are used on many different parts
of the body.
For women only:
- Pregnancy-related ultrasounds:
- Obstetric Ultrasound - to see a developing
fetus
- Sonahysterogram - looks at the uterus for things
that could complicate pregnancy
- Amniocentesis - checks fetal development and
potential genetic diseases (ultrasound is used to guide the
needle that takes fluid from the uterus during pregnancy that
is later tested)
- Breast Ultrasound - examines suspicious areas
found during a mammogram or for a palpable lump that has been
found
For everyone:
- Abdominal Ultrasound
- Carotid Ultrasound - looks at blood vessels in
the neck to check blood flow
- Pelvic Ultrasound - looks at the bladder, reproductive
system, and other pelvic organs
- Venous Ultrasound - looks for bloodclots and
other abnormalities in the legs
- Ultrasound-guided biopsy - takes a tissue sample
from specific sites in the body for testing
For children:
- Pediatric Ultrasound - checks for potential health
problems in young children
What is it like to have an ultrasound?
Ultrasound is a painless, non-invasive test. A technologist
spreads a layer of gel over the part of the body to be examined.
The gel helps conduct the sound waves. The technologist then moves
the transducer back and forth over the body. Images are viewed in
black and white on a nearby screen. Depending on the reason for
the test, it may take 20-60 minutes.
The radiologist, who is a doctor, will check to
make sure the ultrasound images are usable. You'll usually be able
to leave right after the test, and the images will be sent to your
doctor.
How do I prepare for an ultrasound?
You usually do not need to do anything special.
If you are having an abdominal ultrasound, you should not eat or
drink within eight hours of the appointment. For pelvic ultrasounds
of the bladder, you should drink 32 to 40 ounces of water before
the procedure. When your appointment is set up, your doctor can
tell you what you will need to do.
If you have an allergy to latex or may be pregnant, be sure to let
the technologist know when you arrive.
How do I make an appointment?
You, or your doctor's office, can make an appointment
by calling our central scheduling office:
Central Scheduling: 617-665-1298
To schedule an appointment, you must have a referral
order from a primary care physician.
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Referral information for physicians
You can make a referral for your patients by calling:
Central Scheduling: 617-665-1298
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