Exams and Preps > Ultrasound

Ultrasound is used to diagnose a wide-range of conditions. This examination is used to check the development of babies, to see gallstones, blood clots in veins, aneurysms, uterine fibroids or hernias, and many other things. Ultrasound is available in both Port Orchard and Silverdale locations.

Ultrasound is a safe, efficient and non-invasive imaging procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the body’s internal organs. As the sound waves enter the body, they produce echoes that are used to determine the shape, size, position or possible abnormalities of the particular organs being studied. These echoes are recorded and then displayed on a monitor as an image. These images are then stored digitally for a permanent record.

You will be asked to lie down on an examination table where a clear conducting gel will be applied to your skin in the area being studied. The gel is a sound conductor that helps generate better images. The transducer functions as the “camera” as it sends the sound waves into your body and records the echoes that come back.

Abdomen or gallbladder: Do not eat or drink after midnight before your exam. Oral medications may be taken with small sips of water.

Renal (kidneys): Come in with a full bladder.

Adult Pelvic and Obstetric: No preparation. This examination does not require a full bladder.

Hysterosonogram: No preparation necessary.

Additional studies: No prep required unless otherwise directed.

Pediatric Pelvic: One hour before your appointment, drink 8 to 16 oz of water. Do not empty bladder for one hour before exam.