Ultrasound Information for patients and families Read this booklet to learn: what an ultrasound is the different types and how to prepare what to bring to your ultrasound appointment what to expect where to find your ultrasound department Your ultrasound appointment is at: Place: Date: Time: If you can t keep this appointment, please call: Phone: 416 Please visit the UHN Patient Education website for more health information: www.uhnpatienteducation.ca 2017 University Health Network. All rights reserved. This information is to be used for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for non-commercial personal use only. Author: Medical Imaging Revised: 12/2017 Form: D-3361
What is an ultrasound? An ultrasound lets us see inside your body. It uses sound waves to see things like: your muscles blood vessels glands and organs your fetus (baby) An ultrasound technologist moves a special device called a transducer on different parts of your body. It sends sound waves into your body that bounce back. These sound waves are used to make pictures or images. How do I prepare for my ultrasound? How you prepare for your ultrasound depends on the kind you are having. Here are some different types and how you can prepare: Abdominal This ultrasound lets us see the inside of your abdomen. This area of your body is between your chest and top of your legs. Don t eat or drink 4 hours before your ultrasound. If you have diabetes, please make sure you take your medication with a fat free meal, if needed. 2
Pelvic This ultrasound lets us see the inside of your pelvic area. This is the area between your belly button and the top of your legs. Do not empty your bladder (pee) for 2 hours before the test. Thyroid This ultrasound lets us see your thyroid. This is a gland in your neck area. You don t have to do anything to prepare for this ultrasound. Breast This ultrasound lets us see the tissues inside your breasts. You don t have to do anything to prepare for this ultrasound. Scrotal This ultrasound lets us see your testicles and other tissues inside your scrotum. You don t have to do anything to prepare for this ultrasound. Carotid, jugular, vertebral This ultrasound lets us see the main blood vessels in your neck. You don t have to do anything to prepare for this ultrasound. Obstetric This ultrasound lets us see your fetus (baby) and uterus. It can also help us see your ovaries. 1st trimester (1st 3 months of pregnancy) Eat and drink normally. Don t go to the washroom for 1 hour before your ultrasound. You don t have to do anything to prepare for the ultrasound if you are in your 2nd or 3rd trimester. 3
Transvaginal This ultrasound lets us see more deeply into your pelvis. It can also give us more information about your fetus (baby). An ultrasound probe goes into your vagina during this test. We put a clean, disposable cover on the probe before it s used. For this type of ultrasound, you may insert the probe yourself. Eat and drink normally. Don t go to the washroom for 2 hours before your ultrasound. Transrectal This ultrasound lets us see your prostate gland, rectum and the area around it. An ultrasound probe goes into your rectum during this test. We put a clean, disposable cover on the probe before it s used. You may need to use a rectal fleet enema before your ultrasound. This will clean your rectum. If you need to use one, you can buy one at a pharmacy. You may need to take it at home or bring it with you to your appointment. Your healthcare professional will tell you what to do. 4
What should I bring to my appointment? Please remember to bring: your requisition form This is a form from your doctor saying you need an ultrasound. Check to see if your doctor s office already faxed a copy. your health (OHIP) card a rectal fleet enema (if you were asked to bring one) Come to your appointment 15 minutes early. This will give us time to finish your paperwork. What can I expect during my ultrasound? 1. You will usually be asked to change into a hospital gown. 2. You will lie on a stretcher. 3. A sonographer or a radiologist (or both) will do the ultrasound. They are specially trained to do this work. 4. They will put some ultrasound gel on some parts of your body. This will help the transducer move across your skin smoothly. 5. They will move the transducer over the parts of your body they want to see. Your ultrasound usually takes between 20 to 60 minutes. The time will depend on the kind of ultrasound you are having. 5
What happens after? A radiologist may come into the room to examine you. After they will look at your pictures and write a report. After a few days, they will send the report to your doctor. Please let us know if you are going to see your doctor the same day. Where is the ultrasound department in my hospital? Find your hospital below to find out where the ultrasound department is: Toronto General Hospital 585 University Avenue Main Medical Imaging Reception Peter Munk Building 1st floor Phone: 416 340 4800 extension 3384 Toronto Western Hospital 399 Bathurst Street Main Medical Imaging Reception East Wing 3rd floor Phone: 416 603 5590 Princess Margaret Cancer Centre 610 University Avenue Main Medical Imaging Reception East Wing 3rd floor Phone: 416 946 2889 Mount Sinai Hospital 600 University Avenue 5th floor Phone: 416 586 4450 6
Women s College Hospital 76 Grenville Street 2nd floor Phone: 416 323 6400 extension 4829 Murray Koffler Urologic Wellness Centre 60 Murray St. 6th floor Phone: 416 361 2653 CEOU (Centre of Excellence in Obstetric Ultrasound) 700 University Ave. Ontario Power Generation Building 3rd floor Phone: 416 586 8556 The Joint Department of Medical Imaging Toronto General Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Mount Sinai Hospital and Women s College Hospital 7