Ultrasound

Albuquerque Ultrasounds

RAA and High Resolution perform Ultrasounds in our Outpatient facilities. If you need to have an ultrasound performed you can ask your doctor to come to one of our facilities and we will be able to schedule you for an exam very quickly. We provide outpatient imaging in a comfortable and affordable environment. Our number one goal is to make sure we can make your Medical imaging as convenient and comfortable for you as we possibly can.

What is Ultrasound?

Ultrasound is a noninvasive imaging technique that uses high frequency sound waves and a computer to obtain a medical image of various organs, vessels, and tissues within the body. With no injection of contrast or radiation exposure, ultrasound is a safe, effective way to view internal organs as they function and to assess blood flow through various organs.

Parts of the body that can be examined using ultrasound include the breast, thyroid, abdomen, female pelvic area, prostate, scrotum, as well as arteries and veins. Medical conditions that can be detected with ultrasound include heart problems (eg, clots, defects); abdominal problems in the kidney, pancreas, or spleen; and blood vessel problems (eg, enlargement or narrowing of arteries). Ultrasound is also used to check the health and well being of an unborn baby, including the fetus’ size, growth rate, positioning, and breathing.

How does ultrasound work?

When a person undergoes ultrasound, a warm gel is applied to the surface of the skin. This gel acts as a conductor of sound and prevents air from getting between the skin and the transducer (a small device that acts like a microphone). As the technologist moves the transducer, sound waves are sent through the skin. When these waves bounce off certain structures, echoes are produced and then picked up by the transducer. The echoes are converted into images by the computer, which are viewed on a computer screen in real time by the technologist.

What preparation is required for an ultrasound study?

Certain preparation procedures may be required for various ultrasound studies. If your study requires preparation, someone from our office will call you to discuss what preparation is necessary before your appointment.

What should I expect during my ultrasound study?

Before your ultrasound study, you may or may not have to change into an examination gown. We suggest that you wear comfortable clothing that provides easy access to the part of the body being studied.

Your ultrasound study will be performed by one of our registered radiologic technologists who will position you on the examination table. Next, warm gel will be applied to the area of the body being studied. The technologist will move the ultrasound transducer over this area as images are recorded in real time by the computer. Although the technologist can see the images on the computer screen, he or she is not at liberty to discuss any of the results with you. However, the technologist or radiologist will answer any other questions that arise during the procedure. Ultrasound procedures typically take 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the part of the body being studied.

Once the necessary images have been recorded by the computer, the technologist will review the images with the radiologist to make sure that additional images are not needed. The results of your ultrasound study will then be interpreted by the radiologist who will report the results to your referring physician. Your referring physician will discuss these findings with you.