Ultrasound Specialist

Internal Medicine of Greater New Haven

Internists located in Cheshire, CT & Hamden, CT

Ultrasound is an essential diagnostic tool when you have internal pain. At Internal Medicine of Greater New Haven, ultrasounds are done on site, using the most state-of-the-art imaging equipment, to expedite your diagnosis and treatment. If you live in Cheshire, Guilford, Hamden, Milford, North Haven, Meriden, Wallingford, West Haven, and Stratford, Connecticut, or the surrounding communities, call the office or use the online booking agent if your doctor has referred you for an ultrasound.

Ultrasound Q & A

What is an ultrasound?

An ultrasound is a diagnostic tool. It produces pictures of the inside of your body using sound waves.

During an ultrasound, the technician applies gel and then a wand, known as a transducer, directly on your skin. It transmits inaudible, high-frequency sound waves into your body and receives them as they bounce back to create a computerized image of your organs and blood vessels. The specially trained technician and doctors read the ultrasound images to help get a better idea of what’s going on inside your body.

Does an ultrasound hurt?

An ultrasound is painless and safe. It does not use radiation, as do X-rays, and is non-invasive. You may be asked to wear a hospital gown, depending on where in your body you’re being examined. Some ultrasounds do require fasting for 12 hours prior or a full bladder. The doctors give you comprehensive instructions prior to your test as to how to prepare.

What types of conditions does an ultrasound diagnose?

One of the most popular uses for ultrasound is to give images of a baby inside the womb. An ultrasound examines your internal organs to determine any causes of pain, swelling, and infection. Other typical applications include:

Assessing damage after a heart attack
Diagnosis of specific heart conditions
Guiding needles for biopsies

Technicians also use ultrasound to examine veins and internal organs, such as the liver, gallbladder, spleen, kidneys, bladder, uterus, and testicles. Ultrasound cannot be used to evaluate fractures or bone issues.

What happens during an ultrasound?

In most ultrasounds, you lie on an exam table face-up — but you may be asked to turn onto your side, stand up, or sit up, depending on where and what the technician is examining. The technician applies a warm gel to the exam site; the gel improves the ability of the transducer to move over your skin and helps transmit the sound waves.

You'll feel subtle pressure as the technician applies the wand to your skin and moves it back and forth. The entire procedure lasts about 30 minutes at the most.

Call Internal Medicine of Greater New Haven to take advantage of on-site diagnostic ultrasounds.

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