Ultrasound
Offered at our Abbotsford & Langley clinics, ultrasound procedures involve examination of the internal organs of the abdomen using high frequency sound waves. No radiation is involved.
Ultrasound produces real time images of soft tissue and can capture movement of internal organs. The technician applies a conductive gel to the abdomen and presses a transducer against the skin, images can be seen on the ultrasound machine.
Gallbladder, Abdominal
Abdominal Ultrasound is most commonly used to determine the cause of abdominal pain. Other purposes include assessment of liver disease, tumours or cysts, spleen injury, etc.
Obstetrical
Obstetric Ultrasound is the use of ultrasound scans in pregnancy. Ultrasound scans are a safe, non-invasive and accurate way to examine the fetus. High frequency sound waves produce a continuous picture of a moving fetus on a monitor screen. Movements such as fetal heart beat can be seen. Malformations in the fetus can be assessed and measurements can be made accurately on the images displayed on the screen. Such measurements are used in the assessment of gestational age, size and growth of the fetus.
Pelvic & Renal
The kidneys are examined by ultrasound to determine their size, shape and exact position. Renal masses, cysts and stones can be identified. The bladder may also be assessed by ultrasound.
Breast
Ultrasound is used to evaluate breast abnormalities that are found with screening or diagnostic mammography or during a physician performed clinical breast exam. Ultrasound is excellent at imaging cysts: round, fluid-filled, pockets inside the breast. Additionally, ultrasound can often quickly determine if a suspicious area is in fact a cyst (always non-cancerous) or a solid lesion which may or may not require a biopsy to determine if it is malignant (cancerous).
No special preparation is necessary.
Scrotal
Scrotal ultrasound is an imaging technique used for the diagnosis of suspected abnormalities of the scrotum.
Ultrasound of the scrotum is the primary imaging method used to evaluate disorders of the testicles and surrounding tissues. It is used when a patient has acute pain in the scrotum or to confirm or exclude a testicular mass.
No special preparation is necessary
Thyroid
The thyroid is located in the neck and regulates metabolism. Ultrasound is a harmless method of examining this organ. Ultrasound can detect cysts and solid nodules in the thyroid and can determine whether solid masses will require biopsy.
No special preparation is necessary
Musculoskeletal
This type of ultrasound focuses on soft tissue lumps and injuries of the musculoskeletal system.
No special preparation is necessary
Parotid
The parotid is the largest of the saliva glands. The ultrasound focuses on detecting abnormalities in this area.
No special preparation is necessary