Services

Ultrasound / Sonogram / Doppler

Radiology Imaging Associates (RIA) offers the latest technology and ultrasound applications and provides a full spectrum of services including Doppler studies.

Diagnostic sonography (ultrasonography)

A medical imaging technique used to visualize internal body structures including tendons, muscles, joints, vessels and internal organs for possible pathology or lesions. Ultrasound is a useful way of examining many of the body's internal organs, including but not limited to:

  • Heart and blood vessels, including the abdominal aorta and its branches
  • Liver, gallbladder, spleen and pancreas
  • Kidneys, ureters and bladder
  • Uterus, ovaries, and pelvic anatomy in non pregnant patients
  • Thyroid and parathyroid glands
  • Scrotum (testicles)
  • Obstetric sonography is commonly used to evaluate the fetus and reproductive organs during pregnancy. Nuchal translucency imaging can be provide and used in conjunction with maternal blood testing to assess risk of chromosomal abnormalities.
  • Breast - commonly used to differentiate solid from cystic tissue, to assess breast implants or to image palpable lumps. Breast sonography is the initial imaging technique for evaluating palpable breast masses in women who have not reached the age or 35 and not started routine mammography screening.
  • Baby hips and heads
  • Ultrasound is also used to guide needle biopsies, commonly of the breast and thyroid (see info on Ultrasound-guided breast biopsy).

During ultrasound scanning or sonography, the ultrasound technologist will place a transducer or wand-shaped device against the skin. High-frequency sound waves are directed into the body, and the reflected sound waves that echo back are electronically converted into images of the body. Ultrasound is usually painfree, though the technologist does need to apply some pressure on the skin to obtain pictures of deeper structures. X-ray is not used in ultrasound scanning and therefore sonography does not expose the patient to ionizing radiation. The production of sonography images is very operator-dependent. A high level of skill and experience is needed to acquire good-quality images that the radiologist uses to make accurate diagnosis. RIA employs only sonographers that have undergone formal training and are registered by national credentialing organizations or registry eligible.

2D/3D/4D Dimensional Imaging

The ultrasound image typically represents tissue in shades of gray in two-dimensions, 2D. Recently, 3D and 4D techniques have been developed and these images can be shaded in colors to highlight various tissues. 3D and 4D imaging is frequently used to image the fetus during obstetrical sonography and many parents are proud to show these first baby pictures. Depending on the stage in pregnancy and the cooperation of the baby to "pose" or turn for the sonographer, these images can provide stunning.portraits. RIA is please to provide these pictures as part of diagnostic ultrasound ordered by a physician, but in keeping with professional standards cannot provide "keepsake" imaging without an order. Although there is no evidence ultrasound could be harmful for the fetus, the US FDA views "keepsake fetal videos" to be an unapproved use of a medical device.

Ultrasound/Doppler - Vascular Testing

Doppler is a specialized ultrasound study that examines blood vessels for narrowing, blockages and venous malformation. Doppler ultrasound may be useful to differentiate vascular from nonvascular structures in any location. With knowledge about the speed and volume of blood flow gained from a Doppler ultrasound image, the physician can often determine whether a patient is a good candidate for a procedure like angioplasty.

  • In the case of extremities, it is important to know if your doctor wants the arteries or veins studied.
  • Exams of the arteries in the neck called "carotid" or "extracranial Doppler" are commonly performed.
  • Sometimes specific arteries in the abdomen are studied.

How should I prepare?

You should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for your ultrasound exam. You may need to remove all clothing and jewelry in the area to be examined.

You may be asked to wear a gown during the procedure.

Other preparation depends on the type of examination you will have. For some scans your doctor may instruct you not to eat or drink for as many as 12 hours before your appointment. For others you may be asked to drink up to 32 ounces of water two hours prior to your exam and avoid urinating so that your bladder is full when the scan begins.

To schedule an ultrasound exam, please feel free to request an appointment online or call 301-856-6718 and press 2 to reach our centralized scheduling department.