An ultrasound procedure is a non-invasive diagnostic procedure used to assess soft tissue structures such as muscles, blood vessels, and organs.
Ultrasound uses a transducer that sends out ultrasonic sound waves at a frequency too high to be heard. When the transducer is placed at certain locations and angles, the ultrasonic sound waves move through the skin and other body tissues to the organs and structures within. The sound waves bounce off the organs like an echo and return to the transducer. The transducer picks up the reflected waves, which are then converted by a computer into an electronic picture of the organs or tissues under study.
Different types of body tissues affect the speed at which sound waves travel. Sound travels the fastest through bone tissue, and moves most slowly through air. The speed at which the sound waves are returned to the transducer, as well as how much of the sound wave returns, is translated by the transducer as different types of tissue.
A clear conducting gel is placed between the transducer and the skin to allow for smooth movement of the transducer over the skin and to eliminate air between the skin and the transducer for the best sound conduction.
By using an additional mode of ultrasound technology during an ultrasound procedure, blood flow can be assessed. An ultrasound transducer capable of assessing blood flow contains a Doppler probe. The Doppler probe within the transducer evaluates the velocity and direction of blood flow in the vessel by making the sound waves audible. The degree of loudness of the audible sound waves indicates the rate of blood flow within a blood vessel. Absence or faintness of these sounds may indicate an obstruction (blockage) of blood flow.
Ultrasounds are used to view internal organs as they function (in "real time," like a live TV broadcast), and to assess blood flow through various vessels. Ultrasound procedures are often used to examine many parts of the body such as the abdomen, breasts, female pelvis, prostate, scrotum, thyroid and parathyroid glands, and the vascular system. During pregnancy, ultrasounds are performed to evaluate the development of the fetus.
Technological advancements in the field of ultrasound now include images that can be made in a three-dimensional view (3-D) and/or four dimensional (4-D) view. The added dimension of the 4-D is motion, so that it is a 3-D view with movement.
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If you have seen a Weill Cornell Medicine doctor and have been referred for an imaging exam, you may receive a notification in Connect or an email from us prompting you to schedule your appointment online.
If your provider is not affiliated with Weill Cornell Medicine but you would like to online schedule, please use the "Request an Appointment" link below. As long as you have a copy of your prescription, you will be able to online schedule your appointment with us.
Whether you are using the computer or our Connect app on your smartphone, we are sure you will find we have made it easy for you!
By logging in to Weill Cornell Connect, eCheck-In makes it easy to save time and complete all safety forms required for your upcoming appointment.
Please notify our staff when scheduling if you need an interpreter to assist you with your native language.
If you received IV or oral contrast during your exam, you will be instructed to drink 10 glasses of fluids within 24 hours to help flush the contrast out of your system.
You may resume all regular activity unless otherwise directed by your physician.
While uncommon, if you experience any symptoms of an allergic reaction, please contact us at (646) 962-7057.
Once the technologist has taken your images, a radiologist will review the images and write a detailed report. Our radiologists specialize in imaging for specific areas of the body, ensuring you receive the highest-quality, expert interpretation every time. Our specialties include:
Abdominal
Breast
Cardiothoracic (Heart and Chest)
Molecular
Musculoskeletal
Neuroradiology (Brain, Head, Neck and Spine)
Pediatrics
Your report will be automatically share with you and your referring provider within 24-48 hours. You can view your images and reports through Connect. Use this guide to get started.
All imaging exams performed at Weill Cornell Imaging will be available to you in Connect. If you'd like to keep other members of your care team informed, you can easily share your results with any additional providers.
Please contact your referring provider to discuss your results. They will help explain your imaging report and answer any questions you may have.
If you or your provider have additional questions, our Reading Room Coordinators (RRC) will help connect you with a radiologist.
For more information or to contact a RRC, visit this link.