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What is Ultrasound?
Ultrasound is a medical test that uses high-frequency sound waves beyond human hearing capability to produce high-quality images of soft tissues and motion within the body. Ultrasound involves no X-rays and may give doctors medical information that in the past may have required surgery.
Ultrasound may find health conditions like aneurysms, blood clots, damaged heart tissue, abnormal growths, and diseased tissue as well as during pregnancy, a baby's size, weight, position and physical condition. Ultrasound is also used to detect muscle injuries and some joint problems.
What to Expect During Your Ultrasound Experience
You will be asked to lie on a comfortable table while your technologist applies a warm gel to your skin to allow the sound waves to travel through. The technologist will then gently pass the handle of the ultrasound over the certain body area several times. The exam will last about 45 minutes.
How Does Ultrasound Work?
The ultrasound test is simple and painless. A hand-held handle, putting off silent, high frequency sound waves, is placed against the body and slowly passed over the area being checked. The sound waves pass through the skin and into the body. The returning sound waves or echoes are picked up by the handle and changed into a picture form. Advanced equipment will create images on a video screen and then on paper or film.
Preparing for Your Ultrasound
Most ultrasound exams require little or no preparation. In some cases, you may be asked to avoid gas producing foods for one to two days, drink specific types and amounts of fluids, go to the bathroom, or follow other instructions stated by your doctor.
Scheduling Your Ultrasound
Park Plaza Hospital's Centralized Scheduling Department will schedule your appointment and obtain any necessary pre-authorizations from your insurance. They will also let you know about any costs for which you may have to pay. The Centralized Scheduling Department can schedule your ultrasound Monday through Friday from 7:30am until 5:00pm. Their phone number is 713-527-3500. Appointment are available during the day, evening, and on weekends.
Questions
Your doctor or our medical staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have about your ultrasound exam. Please let us know 24 hours before your test, if possible, if you are unable to keep an appointment.
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