Offered at: Aurora, Vaughan and Newmarket clinics.

What is an ultrasound exam? Ultrasound is a medical test used to help physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions.  Ultrasound uses inaudible high frequency sound waves to generate high quality real-time images of the body part being imaged.  Radiation is not used.  Typically, ultrasound is used to examine soft tissue structures such as abdominal organs and superficial soft tissue masses, as well as vascular structures (i.e. arteries and veins).

How can I prepare for an ultrasound?

• Ultrasounds require appointments.  Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment to register
• Vascular, thyroid, and musculoskeletal US require no special preparation
• Abdominal ultrasound requires fasting, whereas pelvic and pregnancy ultrasound require a full bladder

Abdominal ultrasound	Nothing to eat or drink for 8 hours before your examination (except to swallow necessary medications)
Obstetrical or Pelvic ultrasound	You need a full bladder Finish drinking 40 fluid ounces or 1.25 Litres of water (5 glasses of 8 oz or 227 ml) 1 hour before your examination Do not void
Combination Pelvic and Abdominal ultrasound	Nothing to eat for 8 hours but complete drinking 40 ounces or 1.25 Litres of water 1 hour before your examination Do not void

 How is an ultrasound performed?

You may be asked to change into a gown.  For most procedures, you will be asked to lie down on the examination table. The technologist will apply some gel to your skin and run a probe over the area requested by your doctor. You may be asked to hold your breath or change position.  Multiple images will be acquired during the examination.

An ultrasound examination could take 15 to 45 minutes, depending on the body part.