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What are ultrasounds?

Ultrasound, or sonography, is a noninvasive diagnostic imaging procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of structures inside your body. It can help your physician detect or rule out medical problems requiring immediate treatment.

Why might I need an ultrasound?

Our team at Loomis Medical Clinic may suggest you undergo an ultrasound to:

  • Better assess your joints
  • Evaluate specific bone diseases
  • Detect prostate or genital problems
  • Examine a breast lump
  • Evaluate your thyroid gland
  • Guide a needle during a biopsy
  • Diagnose gallbladder disease
  • Evaluate blood flow
  • View your uterus

Ultrasounds can help our providers at Loomis Medical Clinic diagnose or rule out specific medical problems to ensure we offer the most effective treatments.

Is ultrasound right for me?

To determine if you’re a candidate for ultrasound, our team at Loomis Medical Clinic reviews your symptoms and medical history and completes a physical exam. Instead of or in addition to ultrasound, our team may recommend you undergo blood tests, urine tests, tissue swabs, or another diagnostic test.

What should I expect during ultrasounds?

Follow all pre-procedure instructions before getting an ultrasound at Loomis Medical Clinic. Our team might ask you to have a full bladder or empty your bladder. Remove all your jewelry beforehand.

While you lie down on a comfortable chair or table, your provider applies water-based gel to your skin. They hold a hand-held device called a transducer against the skin to emit sound waves into your body. In some cases, they insert a probe into your esophagus, rectum, or vagina.

Ultrasound procedures are painless. They usually last 30-60 minutes, depending on the type of ultrasound you undergo.

What happens after the procedure?

There’s no downtime after getting an ultrasound, so you can return to your daily routine immediately.

Our team discusses the results with you and lets you know if you require further diagnostic testing or treatment. If so, our team reviews the available treatments with you to find the one that best matches your needs.

To learn more or determine if you need an ultrasound, call the office or request an appointment online today.