Ultrasound (General and Vascular)

  

What is an ultrasound?

Your doctor has suggested you have one or more general ultrasound studies as part of your evaluation at National Jewish Health. Ultrasound (sound waves) can be used to look at organs, soft tissue, and blood vessels within the body. The ultrasound shows the structures and blood flow through organs and blood vessels. It does this by using sound waves.

  

How do you get ready for the test?

Please arrive 30 minutes before the test is scheduled. The ultrasound sonographer will ask you questions before the ultrasound.

Please follow these instructions to provide you and your physician with the best possible testing results and to prevent the test from needing to be rescheduled.

• Eat a light meal of bland foods (broth, toast, Jello, etc...) for dinner the day before your test.
  • Do not eat fruit, vegetables, or foods with a lot of fat
  • No fiber, No fat, No dairy products
  • No gum chewing
  • No smoking
• DO NOT eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your scheduled test if your are having any one of the following types of Ultrasound test:
  • Ultrasound Duplex Abdomen
  • Ultrasound Duplex Abdomen/Aorta
  • Ultrasound Duplex Abdominal- right upper quadrant only
  • Ultrasound Duplex Renal artery
  • Ultrasound Renal

• You may take small sips of water with your medications.

For Renal (Kidney) ultrasound studies only:

• Ultrasound Duplex Renal artery
• Renal Ultrasound Renal
  • Drink WATER only. DO NOT eat anything after midnight the night before your scheduled test.
  • 1 hour before your test, drink 24 oz. of WATER and DO NOT urinate until after the test.
    

There is no preparation for the following ultrasound studies:

• Ultrasound Duplex Arterial Groin
• Ultrasound Duplex Carotid
• Ultrasound Duplex Venous Lower Extremity
• Ultrasound Duplex Venous Upper Extremity
• Ultrasound Guided Thyroid Biopsy
• Ultrasound Thyroid

  

What is done during the test?

The sonographer will explain the test to you before you start. Ask questions if you don't understand.  Before the test you will need to remove all clothing and jewelry from the area of the body that the test will be performed.  You will be given a hospital gown to wear. The ultrasound does not hurt. You will lie still on a table during the procedure. The sonographer may have you sit, stand, lie on your side, or back during the procedure. Gel will be placed on your skin and on a probe. The probe is what makes the sound waves. The probe will be moved over the area being tested.

  

What should you do after the test?

You can resume your normal activity after the test is complete.

  

How long will the test take?

All general ultrasound studies are scheduled for 1-1/2 hours to allow for the sonographer to obtain the best quallity images.

  

How do you get to your test?

All ultrasound tests are performed in the Cardiology department. Cardiology is located in the adult clinic in the Smith Building.

If you have any questions, you can contact Cardiology at 303-270-2670.

This information has been approved by Howard Weinberger, MD, and Ann Mullen, RN, MSN, AE-C (November 2008).