Overview
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.
Before Your Appointment
Scheduling Your Exam
Our Patient Access Coordinators are available to assist with scheduling your appointment from Monday through Friday 8AM to 7PM ET and Saturday and Sunday 9AM to 5PM ET.
(212) 746-6000
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!
Exam Forms
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.
Exam Preparation
Please notify our staff when scheduling if you need an interpreter to assist you with your native language.
FAQ
During Your Appointment
How is an Ultrasound Performed?
- You will be positioned on a table in order to allow optimal visualization of the structures that are being evaluated.
- An ultrasound technologist will apply a gel-like substance onto your skin in the area of interest (the gel acts as a conductor).
- Using a transducer, a tool that sends ultrasound waves, the ultrasound will be sent through your body. There are no confirmed adverse biological effects on you or instrument operators caused by exposures to ultrasound.
- The ultrasound technologist will move the probe along the skin in order to improve visualization and obtain the necessary images.
- The sound from the transducer will be reflected off structures inside the body, and the information from the sounds will be analyzed by a computer.
- The computer will create an image of these structures on a television screen. The moving pictures can be recorded on film videotape.
- Transvaginal ultrasound exams in which the transducer probe is inserted into an opening of the body, such as the vagina or rectum, provide a closer look at internal structures and are usually well tolerated with minimal discomfort. Always notify the technologist if you experience any pain during an examination.
- Once the exam is complete, the gel is wiped off the skin and you will be asked to wait while the images are reviewed with the physician radiologist in order to ensure that all of the necessary information was obtained. In some cases, the physician may request additional images. We strive, however, to make your visit with us as quick and as pleasant as possible. Most ultrasound examinations take approximately 30 to 45 minutes.
After Your Appointment
Aftercare
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.
Imaging Review
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
Receiving Your Results
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.
Sharing Your Results
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.
Understanding Your Results
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.