Ultrasound (also known as sonograms) uses sound waves to create pictures of the inside of the body. The ultrasound technician places gel on the part of the body to be imaged and uses a special wand (called a transducer) to send sound waves into the body. The sound waves interact with the bones and tissue and bounce back to the transducer to create a black and white image of the body part. The ultrasound tech will take pictures from multiple angles of the body part. Colorful images can be seen on the screen when the machine is depicting blood flow. Ultrasounds are used for a variety of reasons including, pregnancy exams, examination of arteries and veins and organs such as the heart and gall bladder. Minneola District Hospital offers scheduled ultrasound exams 1-2 days a week performed by an ultrasound technician from C&F Imaging in Dodge City.

What to expect when coming in for a sonogram

1. Depending on the body part to be imaged, the exam can take anywhere from 30 minutes to one hour. Imaging of multiple body parts could take longer than one hour depending on the complexity of the exam.

2. Some Ultrasounds procedures require special preparation, and you will be given those instructions prior to the exam. For example, some exams require the patient to abstain from eating or drinking anything but water for a period of time before the exam while other exams require you to have a full bladder.

3. You may experience pain while holding the positions that are necessary for the exam.

4. The Imaging Department will send your digital images to the ordering doctor and also to a radiologist who will develop a report of the findings.