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General Ultrasound

Ultrasound produces images of soft tissue and organs in the body by using sound waves that generate a real-time image. Ultrasound can detect diseased or damaged tissues, locate abnormal growths and identify a wide variety of conditions, enabling your radiologist to make a quick and accurate diagnosis. Ultrasound uses a transducer (wand-shaped device) that directs high-frequency sound waves into the body when it is gently pressed against the skin. These sound waves echo back, and the transducer electronically converts the reflected waves into very precise images. Ionizing radiation (X-ray) is not used in ultrasound making it a safe alternative for imaging pregnant women.

Doppler Vascular Ultrasound
A Doppler Vascular Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of blood flow through various vessels in the body. It’s commonly used to image the carotid artery in the neck, or arteries and veins in the arms, legs and abdomen. Also, this technology can be used to detect diseased vessels and identify a wide variety of changing conditions.

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FAQ

What should I expect? Expand

A hypoallergenic, water-soluble gel will be applied to the area being scanned to prevent air from getting between the transducer and your skin. The transducer will be passed gently over your skin, generating and receiving high-frequency sound waves to be converted into detailed images. The only sensation you will feel is light pressure.

A Doppler Vascular Ultrasound is performed the same way; however, you will hear sounds similar to a heartbeat while we are listening to the flow of your blood.

How do I prepare? Expand

Please arrive 30 minutes before your exam if you are being scanned at a hospital location. If your appointment is at an outpatient center, please arrive 10 minutes before your exam. Otherwise, the preparations for an ultrasound vary depending on the body part being studied:

If you are having an ultrasound of any upper abdominal organ (gallbladder, pancreas, liver, spleen) and/or kidney(s) and/or the aorta, eat an early low-fat dinner the night before your exam and have nothing to eat or drink for 8 hours prior to your exam.

If you are having an ultrasound of your pelvis, a full bladder is required for the exam. Please drink five 8-ounce glasses of liquids. You will need to finish all five glasses one hour prior to your exam. Do not empty your bladder before the exam.

There is no preparation if you are having an ultrasound of your arms, legs or other body parts (i.e., thyroid, testicular or soft tissue). Preparation instructions for breast ultrasound can be found here.

When will I get the results? Expand

One of our subspecialized physicians will review your scan and send a report to your physician, usually within 24-48 hours. Your physician will contact you to discuss the results.

Which locations offer Ultrasound? Expand

Carolinas Imaging Services – Ballantyne
Carolinas Imaging Services – Huntersville
Carolinas Imaging Services – Matthews
Carolinas Imaging Services – Rock Hill
Carolinas Imaging Services – SouthPark
Anson Community Hospital
Atrium Health – Lincoln
Atrium Health – Mercy
Atrium Health – Northeast
Atrium Health – Northeast Outpatient Imaging at Copperfield
Atrium Health – Pineville
Atrium Health – Union
Atrium Health – University
Carolinas Medical Center
Davis Regional Medical Center
East Lincoln’s Healthcare Pavilion
Morehead Imaging Center
Richmond Memorial Hospital
Scotland Memorial Hospital
Scotland Memorial Hospital’s Outpatient Imaging Center

How do I schedule an Ultrasound? Expand

This procedure requires a physician referral. Typically your referring physician will schedule an appointment for you. If you have been asked to schedule the appointment yourself, please have your physician's order and any pre-authorization information required by your insurance or health plan provider in hand, and call 704-442-4390.

What about billing and/or insurance coverage? Expand

Please check with your insurance plan to confirm that the procedure is covered. You may be responsible for all or a portion of the bill.  Payment may be required at the time of service. For questions regarding insurance coverage, and/or billing please call 704-362-7020.

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