Imaging appointments available weekdays, evenings and weekends. Call us to book your appointment.
Ultrasound is an imaging technique that uses sound waves to view soft-tissue organs within the body. The images produced during an ultrasound examination often provide valuable information to help in diagnosing and treating a variety of diseases and conditions.
Ultrasound imaging involves the use of a small transducer (probe) and ultrasound gel placed directly on the skin. High-frequency sound waves are transmitted from the probe through the gel into the body. The transducer collects the sounds that bounce back and a computer then uses those sound waves to create an image. Ultrasound examinations do not use ionizing radiation (as used in x-rays), thus there is no radiation exposure to the patient. Because ultrasound images are captured in real-time, they can show the structure and movement of the body’s internal organs, as well as blood flowing through blood vessels.
Ultrasound examinations can help to identify a variety of conditions and to assess organ damage following illness. Ultrasound is used to help physicians evaluate symptoms such as pain, swelling and infection. Ultrasound is a useful way of examining many of the body’s internal organs. You may need to undergo an ultrasound for a variety of reasons, such as:
Many ultrasound examinations require you to fast for up to 8 hours prior to your examination. If you are diabetic, please let our clinic staff clerk know at the time of booking to ensure an early morning appointment.
Our clinic staff will provide you with complete preparation instructions when booking your appointment.
Your preparation will vary depending on the type of ultrasound exam you are having:
DO NOT eat, drink or consume anything by mouth 8 hours before the exam. NO water, other liquids, chewing gum, lozenges or food 8 hours before exam. No smoking 4 hours prior to exam.
The exam requires a full bladder. Empty your bladder 90 minutes before your exam, one hour (60 mins) before your exam drink a minimum of four (8oz) glasses of water (total 32 oz), finish all four glasses at least 60 minutes before your exam.
DO NOT empty your bladder until after the examination. If your bladder is not full, the examination may have to be rescheduled. You may eat your regular meals and/or snack prior to the exam.
The exam requires a full bladder. Empty your bladder 90 minutes before your exam, one hour (60 mins) before your exam drink four (8oz) glasses of water (total 32 oz), finish all four glasses at least 60 minutes before your exam.
DO NOT empty your bladder until after the examination. If your bladder is not full, the examination may have to be rescheduled. You may eat your regular meals and/or snack prior to the exam.
The exam requires a full bladder. Empty your bladder 90 minutes before your exam, one hour (60 mins) before your exam drink a minimum of four (8oz) glasses of water (total 32 oz), finish all four glasses at least 60 minutes before your exam.
DO NOT eat, or consume anything by mouth 8 hours before the exam. NO chewing gum, lozenges or food 8 hours before exam. No smoking 4 hours prior to exam.
Wear comfortable clothing, depending on the area being scanned.
Wear comfortable clothing.
For ultrasound studies of the pelvis, a full bladder acts as a window into the body. It pushes gas within the bowel out of the way and allows us to see more clearly. Additionally, a full bladder allows us to assess the bladder itself.
Gas within the stomach and bowel after eating, chewing gum, or smoking can interfere with the ability of the ultrasound to see the inner organs. In addition, many foods contain fat which cause the gallbladder to contract resulting in poor assessment of that organ.
Yes, but take medications with a small amount of water only.
There is no evidence to show that ultrasound waves are harmful. Ultrasound is safe and non-invasive. Ultrasound waves do not use radiation.
Yes, Arrangements can be made to accommodate the need for a caregiver, but they will need to wait in the waiting room while the ultrasound is being done.
With the majority of our Ultrasound services, you usually lie on an examination table. A small amount of gel is applied to your skin. The gel helps eliminate the formation of air pockets between the ultrasound and your body. During the exam, a technologist trained in ultrasound imaging (sonographer) presses a small hand-held device (transducer or probe), about the size of a bar of soap, against your skin over the area of your body being examined, moving from one area to another as necessary.
Based on the same principles as sonar, a technology used to detect underwater objects, the transducer generates and receives high-frequency sound waves that can’t be heard by the human ear.
As the sonographer places the transducer on your skin, crystals inside the transducer emit pulses of sound waves that travel into your body. Your tissues, bones and body fluids reflect the sound waves and bounce them back to the transducer. The transducer then sends this information to a computer, which composes detailed images based on the patterns created by the sound waves.
Ultrasound is usually a painless procedure. However, you may experience some mild discomfort as the sonographer guides the transducer over your body, especially if you’re required to have a full bladder.
A typical ultrasound exam takes from 30 minutes to an hour.
A typical ultrasound exam includes from 30-45 minutes of scan time. Total time from intake to completion is about an hour.
Your referring physician will receive a report within 3 to 5 business days of your exam. You can make an appointment with your referring physician to go over your results.
No. The sonographer can only scan the area indicated on the requisition from your doctor.
No. The sonographer who performs the ultrasound is not permitted to discuss results of the exam, under provincial and national professional guidelines. A radiologist will review the images and send a written report to your doctor in 3 to 5 business days.
They can provide useful additional information for the Radiologist for comparison purposes when they are interpreting your ultrasound scan.
Yes. All of our staff members are bound to confidentiality agreements and follow strict codes of professional conduct.
The costs of an ultrasound scan at a private clinic are not usually covered by the Nova Scotia Medicare system. At present, most extended health plans will not cover these costs. Please check your plan for details. Some employers, disability insurers and third-party payers may cover the costs of the ultrasound examination for you. In addition, costs associated with ultrasound exams may be eligible for the Medical Expense Tax Credit offered by the Canada Revenue Agency.
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(902) 443-9922
