Ultrasound

Ultrasound is a medical procedure that uses sound waves to image different areas of the body. The most common exams are of the abdomen, pelvis, blood vessels, and of the fetus during pregnancy. Ultrasound is very safe and non-invasive, which makes it a very useful diagnostic tool.

Vascular ultrasound provides pictures of the body's veins and arteries.

Vascular ultrasound is performed to:

• Help monitor the blood flow to organs and tissues throughout the body
• Locate and identify blockages (stenosis) and abnormalities like blood clots, plaque or emboli and help plan for their effective treatment
• Determine whether a patient is a good candidate for a procedure such as angioplasty
• Plan or evaluate the success of procedures that graft or bypass blood vessels

A Doppler ultrasound study may be part of a vascular ultrasound examination. Doppler ultrasound is a special ultrasound technique that evaluates blood as it flows through a blood vessel, including the body's major arteries and veins in the abdomen, arms, legs and neck.

Doppler ultrasound images can help the physician to see and evaluate:

• Blockages to blood flow (such as clots)
• Narrowing of vessels (which may be caused by plaque)
• Tumors and congenital malformation

Do You Know Who Is Performing Your Imaging Exams?

At Jupiter Medical Center, 100 percent of our ultrasound technologists are registered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). Our multidisciplinary team of experts includes board-certified radiologists and technologists who are experts in their field. This provides you with the highest quality tests and an accurate diagnosis.

If you are scheduled for an Ultrasound Exam, please review the Ultrasound Preparation Sheet and complete the Medication Reconciliation Sheet.