ULTRASOUND
Radiology Imaging Services provides ultrasound scanning at all of our hospitals and imaging centers. Like our other imaging services, we have established a uniform service throughout our system to enable the convenience for our patients with the same high quality standards. The scanning technology at every facility will be the same. Carolinas Medical Center (CMC), considered the flagship for Carolinas HealthCare System, will provide some highly advanced procedures in ultrasound that may require technical and physician expertise only available at CMC. This is the case with other advanced technologies like PET/CT.
Hospital locations with Ultrasound:
Non-hospital locations with Ultrasound:
- Eastover Diagnostic Imaging Center
- Northcross Imaging Center
- Medical Center Plaza Imaging Center (adjacent to CMC)
What is Ultrasound?
Ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves that are applied with a small probe. When the sound waves reflect off tissues in the body, they generate a signal that is transmitted back to the ultrasound machine to generate an image.
Ultrasound is used in a wide variety of injuries and illnesses that may apply to virtually any area of the body.
How do I prepare for the exam?
There are many procedures in ultrasound that require no preparation at all. Procedures that involve scanning in the abdomen or pelvis may require that you go without food prior to the procedure. If you are scheduled for a biopsy, your physician will provide specific exam preparation instructions.
How is the exam performed?
Ultrasound procedures range in time from just 15 minutes up to one hour depending on the procedure your physician has ordered. You will be placed on a comfortable table while the technologist explains the procedure. Prior to scanning, the technologist will place a small amount of "conductive gel" on or near the area needing to be scanned. The gel enables the ultrasound waves to transmit properly for the signal needed to produce an image. There are no side affects from ultrasound and you will not feel anything but the probe moving gently against your skin.
How do I obtain the results of the exam?
Your physician should provide you with the results of the exam. The radiologist will interpret most ultrasound scans the same day it is performed. Some cases will require comparison to other exams that may result in a slight delay.
|
