WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: What do I need to know about an ultrasound? An ultrasound is a test that uses sound waves to look at organs, tissues, nerves, or blood vessels. It can help your healthcare provider diagnose or treat a medical condition. An ultrasound is usually a noninvasive test. It does not expose you to radiation. How do I prepare for an ultrasound? Your healthcare provider will talk to you about how to prepare for your ultrasound. He may give you instructions about eating or drinking liquids before your test. What will happen during an ultrasound? You will lie on a table. Your healthcare provider will put gel onto the area of your body he will look at. He will then move a device called a transducer over that area. The transducer uses sound waves to make images of your organs, tissues, or blood vessels. You may be asked to move into other positions so your healthcare provider can get better images. Once he is done, he will wipe off the gel. |