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Ultrasound: What to Expect

For most ultrasound exams, the patient lies face-up on the examination table. A clear gel is applied to the area being examined. The gel allows the transducer to have ideal contact with the body by eliminating all air pockets. The physician will then firmly press the transducer against the skin and slowly move it around the area of interest. After the ultrasound scanning is complete, the gel will be wiped off the patient's skin and the patient can leave.

Image courtesy of Brent Burbridge, MD Saskatoon Medical Imaging, Saskatoon Canada.

In some ultrasound exams, physicians insert the transducer inside the body to obtain useful results. In these cases, the transducer is attached to a probe and then placed into one of the body's openings. For example, a transesophageal echocardiogram is taken by placing the transducer into the esophagus to get an image of the heart. A transrectal ultrasound involves placing the transducer into a man's rectum to obtain images of the prostate. In a transvaginal ultrasound, the transducer is inserted into a woman's vagina to view the uterus and ovaries.

Preparation

If you are getting an ultrasound, wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothes. All clothing and jewelry covering the area being examined will have to be removed. In some cases, you may be asked to wear a gown for the procedure.