Ultrasound at University of Colorado Hospital
What is Ultrasound test?
An ultrasound is a safe and painless test using sound waves to look at different parts of your body:
- Internal organs (heart, liver, spleen, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, uterus and bladder)
- Lymph nodes or blood vessels.
- A special type of ultrasound called Doppler ultrasound can also show blood flow.
An ultrasound is not an x-ray and does not use radiation.
Why do I need an ultrasound?
An ultrasound may be done for many reasons. Caregivers may be trying to find the cause of a problem or symptom you are having.
If you are pregnant, an ultrasound may be done to look at your baby inside your uterus. Tumors, gallstones, or heart defects may also be seen on an ultrasound. Ultrasound may also be used to guide doctors during procedures such as biopsies, fluid aspirations and other operative procedures.
How does ultrasound work?
A caregiver uses a wand called a transducer. The transducer may also be called a probe. It is connected to the ultrasound machine. The transducer sends and receives sound waves as it is moved over your skin. The sound waves bounce off or "echo" against the organs inside your body.
The echoes are then sent through the machine and are changed into an image on the TV screen. Sound waves cannot go through air, bone or gas in the bowel. And, sound waves may have a hard time going through your body if you weigh too much.
All images taken during an exam are digitally stored.
What happens during the ultrasound?
The ultrasound may be done in your hospital room or in an exam room. You are asked to put on a gown and then a caregiver helps you lie on a table or bed.
Gel is put on your skin over or near the area being tested. The gel removes any air that may be between you and the transducer. Gel also helps to send the sound waves into your body. A caregiver gently moves the transducer in many directions over the skin. Try to lie still during the ultrasound. But, you can talk to the caregiver while the ultrasound is being done. The caregiver removes the gel after the test and you can get dressed.
Location of Ultrasound at University of Colorado Hospital
University of Colorado Hospital
Anschutz Medical Campus
Anschutz Outpatient Pavilion (AOP), 3rd Floor
Room 1126
1635 North Ursula Street
Aurora, CO 80010
For prenatal and obstetrical ultrasound call: (720) 848-0011
Ultrasound Team at University of Colorado Hospital
All ultrasounds are read and interpreted by fellowship trained doctors. Their ability to accurately read an exam heavily depends on the quality of the image taken by the sonographer. The sonographer is the person taking the pictures. All of our sonographers are board certified and have extensive experience.
The Division of Ultrasound at the University of Colorado Hospital is nationally recognized for their expertise. The University of Colorado Hospital is accredited by the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine and the Intersocietal Commission on the Accreditation of Vascular Laboratories.