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Ultrasounds

Ultrasound Services in Arcadia, CA

Ultrasound is a noninvasive imaging technique that uses high-intensity sound waves to show structures within your body. Ultrasounds are used for a variety of purposes, including pregnancy, disease diagnosis, and visual guidance during certain procedures. If you are pregnant or require a complete examination of your organs, it is time for an ultrasound. At Woman’s First Choice, our team of specialists offers advanced ultrasound services to deliver precise and accurate imaging. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We serve patients from Arcadia CA, Monrovia CA, Rosemead CA, El Monte CA, Pasadena CA, Alhambra CA, and Baldwin Park CA.

Ultrasound Services Near Me in Arcadia, CA
Ultrasound Services Near Me in Arcadia, CA

Table of Contents:

How do you know if you need an ultrasound?
When should you get an ultrasound?
What are the reasons why an ultrasound is done?
What should I do before an ultrasound?

An ultrasound is a completely non-invasive diagnostic imaging tool that is used to produce real-time images of the soft tissues of the body, allowing healthcare providers to visualize, diagnose, or assess the internal organs, blood vessels, and other soft tissues without having to use any surgical procedures.

How do you know if you need an ultrasound?


Ultrasounds are a type of diagnostic imaging tool that provides physicians and specialists with a clear visualization of what is going on within a patient’s body. A physician may recommend that you have an ultrasound completed if you are experiencing certain symptoms or signs that are indicative of medical conditions that can be easily diagnosed through an ultrasound. They can provide very accurate, real-time images of the organs, blood vessels, and internal tissues, so you may be ordered an ultrasound if you are having any pain or swelling that is occurring internally to allow the physicians a good view of your organs. Other instances in which you may be recommended for an ultrasound are if there are any lumps present that could be indicative of cancer or if you are displaying symptoms of kidney or gallstones.

When should you get an ultrasound?


Several different types of ultrasounds are completed, the most commonly known of which is a pregnancy ultrasound, which should be used periodically throughout the patient’s pregnancy to assess the health and development of the unborn baby. It is typically recommended that those who are pregnant receive an ultrasound at some point when they are between 18 and 22 weeks along, and possibly at other points if your physician is concerned about a specific risk during the pregnancy.

Another type of ultrasound that is regularly performed is a diagnostic ultrasound, which is used to determine the cause of swelling, pain, or other symptoms, as well as blockages, growths, or structural problems located within the glands, blood vessels, and organs. This type of ultrasound is used to produce images of the heart, heart valves, organs within the abdomen and pelvis, the kidneys, breasts, blood vessels, and thyroid glands.

What are the reasons why an ultrasound is done?


The most common reasons why physicians will choose to perform an ultrasound on their patients include if their patient is pregnant and is between 18 and 22 weeks along, or is experiencing symptoms that may indicate something is wrong with the fetus, and for diagnostic purposes when patients are experiencing abnormal internal pain or swelling. Another common but less known use for ultrasounds is to provide physicians with better visualization during certain procedures, such as needle biopsies that remove tissues or fluid. Ultrasounds are very effective in providing real-time images of the soft tissues, making them a very convenient option for assessing damage or injuries present in the soft tissues, such as muscle strains, tendon tears, or damage to ligaments, to determine the extent of the damage and to provide physicians with a more accurate course of treatment. It is an entirely non-invasive diagnostic tool that requires no waiting time as the images are processed or produced, as with many other diagnostic options, making it an essential tool in urgent or emergency medical situations that require fast and accurate treatment.

What should I do before an ultrasound?


You will be provided with different instructions leading up to your ultrasound appointment, depending on the type of ultrasound that is being performed as well as the location of the ultrasound. For abdominal and pelvic ultrasounds, you will need to fast for at least 6 hours leading up to the appointment; even longer is better, and avoid eating foods that are high in fat the morning of your appointment. Avoid chewing gum for several hours before the appointment, as that leads to swallowing air that may interfere with the quality of images provided during the ultrasound. For pelvic ultrasounds specifically, patients will need to arrive at the clinic with a full bladder, making sure to drink 960 mL of water or juice a total of about 75 minutes before the appointment and not urinating until after the appointment. Ultrasounds being performed on other parts of the body, such as the thyroid or testicles, do not require any specific preparation, other than perhaps being recommended to avoid applying any creams or perfumes to the area before the appointment.

Ultrasounds are common imaging examinations and are both safe and effective. Whether it is a prenatal exam, testing organ function, or diagnosing medical issues, our team of qualified professionals at Woman’s First Choice is committed to offering precise results in a comfortable environment. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We serve patients from Arcadia CA, Monrovia CA, Rosemead CA, El Monte CA, Pasadena CA, Alhambra CA, and Baldwin Park CA.

Get Directions to Woman’s First Choice Clinic in Arcadia, CA

Woman’s First Choice Clinic

 

Arcadia, CA 91007