Ultrasonography or echography is the use of ultrasound to image internal structures. The ultrasound is emitted by a special transducer that is held against the skin. The sound waves propagate and reflect differently depending on the type of tissue they encounter (fluid, bone, or muscle, for example). The reflected waves are captured by the transducer and analysed by a computer, which reconstructs an image of the area of interest. The test helps the physician to make or clarify a diagnosis.

How do I access the services?

A properly filled in physician’s request is necessary. 

The booking department will contact you to schedule an appointment.

What to expect?

• The test, which is done by medical imaging technologists, takes between 15 and 45 minutes.
• You will normally be lying down during the test. The region to be examined must be unclothed.
• The medical imaging technician applies an ultrasound gel to the area of interest in order to maximize the quality of the signal emitted and received by the transducer.
• He or she then sweeps the transducer over the area, applying some pressure.

Preparation

Ultrasounds of the abdomen and digestive tract (liver, bile ducts, gallbladder, pancreas) require the patient to have been fasting for 4 hours. You can take your regular medications, however.

For ultrasounds of the pelvic area (bladder, prostate, uterus and ovaries) you should arrive with a full bladder; drink lots of water before the test.

No special precautions are needed for other ultrasounds (breast, neck, muscles, thyroid).