Ultrasound imaging makes it possible to diagnose potentially serious health problems invisible to the eye. At Sycamore Medical Clinic, internal medicine physician Michael Gorby, MD, PA, and the team offer a comprehensive suite of ultrasound services, including echocardiograms, carotid ultrasounds, and thrombosis screening. To make an appointment at the practice in Palestine, Texas, call the office or click the online booking feature today.
An ultrasound is a type of diagnostic imaging. It uses high-frequency sound waves to capture real-time images of the soft tissues, organs, and blood vessels beneath your skin.
Ultrasound doesn’t use any radiation like X-rays or a CT scan. As a result, it’s considered safe for pregnant people.
At Sycamore Medical Clinic, the team offers various types of ultrasounds, including:
The team also conducts rental ultrasounds or ultrasounds of the kidneys.
Most people associate ultrasound imaging with pregnancy because it can determine the gender and health of the growing fetus. Still, there are a variety of other uses.
For example, if you experience pain, swelling, or other symptoms indicating a problem with your internal organs, an ultrasound can determine the underlying cause.
The team at Sycamore Medical Clinic also uses ultrasound to direct minor surgical procedures, such as stitches or excisional biopsies.
The preparation required for an ultrasound depends on the part of your body scanned.
Certain foods can block the sound waves and result in poor imaging, so If you’re receiving an abdominal ultrasound, the team might ask you to fast for eight to 12 hours and only drink water. If you’re getting a bladder ultrasound, the team might ask you to drink lots of water before your appointment so it’s easier to visualize.
Let the team know if you take any vitamins, supplements, or prescription medications, and if you have any questions or concerns, make sure to bring those up as well.
On the day of your ultrasound, you change into a gown and lie down on an exam table. Your provider applies a lubricating gel to your skin and carefully runs a small, handheld device — called a transducer — over it.
The transducer emits high-frequency sound waves that bounce off your internal structures and provide real-time images to a monitor in the exam room. Your provider might ask you to change positions several times throughout the procedure.
Following the ultrasound, your provider cleans the gel off your skin and goes over the results with you.
To receive ultrasound imaging, make an appointment at Sycamore Medical Clinic by calling the office or clicking the online booking feature today.
