We have organized this information to educate you and we want you to be confident that you will be receiving excellent care from our Ultrasound Department during your procedure. In turn, we hope this will decrease your anxiety about your upcoming exam. We love what we do and will try make you as comfortable as possible during your visit with us.

We have state-of-the-art equipment from GE and Siemens Manufacturers. Our exams are interpreted by our onsite radiologist. Results of your examination are sent directly to the ordering physician's office in a timely manner.

Feel free to contact the ultrasound staff, Tracy Clark or Stella Sturgill, at 275-1367 ext. 2768 if you have any further questions concerning your visit with us. We look forward to caring for you and your family members!

Frequently Asked Questions and Other Information

What is ultrasound?

Ultrasound is a technique by which sound waves are bounced into our body, and their reflections captured by a machine which transform them into an image that we read. Ultrasound does not involve radiation and we do not use dyes that need to be injected or swallowed. The sound waves are produced and received by a small "transducer" that resembles a soap bar connected by a cable to the machine. You will be lying on your back on a regular examination bed.

Why do you put gel on me?

Gel is used to "couple" your skin with the ultrasound transducer. The sound frequencies that we use could not pass through an air-body interface. Gel acts as a bridge between machine and you. Of course, we warm our gel to make it more comfortable for you.

Can my family be present?

In some specialty examinations, primarily obstetric ultrasounds, we welcome your family members to participate. Our exam rooms are relatively small areas so be selective when deciding who will accompany you.

Will I see the examination?

Yes, we have a television that will allow you to follow the whole examination. Feel free to ask questions about the examination; however, as technologists we are unable to give you the results of your examination.

Are you on time?

Everyone hates to wait. We will make every effort to ensure that you are seen at the time that you have chosen. Occasionally, however, a patient with a complication may seriously disrupt our schedule. We hope that you will be understanding of these unexpected delays.

Is ultrasound safe?

The short answer is, "yes." As long as the benefit you gain from the examination is greater than the risk of managing your care without the information gained by the examination. Innumerable studies have been conducted on the safety of ultrasound, and no reproducible problem has been identified. Ultrasound is used to create images but does not use radiation. We belong to several organizations that routinely monitor the literature or sponsor research about the side effects of ultrasound. Yet even if nothing adverse has been recognized, we prefer to be on the safe side which is why we agree to perform only medically indicated ultrasound examinations.