Ultrasound

During abdominal exams high frequency ultrasound waves are used to take pictures of the liver, pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts, kidneys, spleen, pylorus and appendix.

Preparation

• Do not have anything to eat or drink after midnight the day before your exam.
• Continue taking medication as usual. You may take small sips of water to swallow pills.

Not eating or drinking allows a better view of all your organs by limiting bowel gas (which destroys ultrasound waves). Not eating or drinking also gives the gallbladder time to fill completely. If you do eat, the gallbladder will be contracted and will not be able to be examined properly, meaning your exam will need to be rescheduled to another day.

Neurosonography or Brain Ultrasound is the use of high frequency ultrasound waves to view the brain and its inner fluid chambers. This is done by placing an ultrasound probe on the "soft spot" (open fontanelle) of babies up to one year of age.

Preparation

There is no preparation required for this type of exam.

Early First Trimester Screening (eFTS) is a multi-part test that provides a woman with her personal risk factor of having a child with certain chromosomal abnormalities (such as Down's syndrome).

Ultrasound is used to measure a small fluid space behind the neck of the fetus called the Nuchal Translucency. This measurement along with your bloodwork results, age, and medical history will be used by specialists to determine your risk factor.

Preparation

• Please bring your North York eFTS forms with you to the exam.
• The technologist MUST fill out specific measurements on your form before you can bring it to the lab to get your blood work done.
• A full bladder is required for this exam.
• Please FINISH drinking 5-6 large glasses of water one hour prior to your exam time.
• Do not empty your bladder.

Routine Pregnancy Screening is carried out at the 19 to 21- weeks stage of pregnancy to check on the physical development of your baby. Ultrasound is a safe and noninvasive procedure.  You may experience some mild discomfort if you have to pee.

How do I prepare for a pregnancy ultrasound?

• A full bladder is required for the exam.
• Please finish drinking 5-6 large glasses of water approximately 45 to 65 minutes before your exam time.
• Do not empty your bladder.

A full bladder pushes your bowel out of the way, allowing the technologist to view the fetus, lower uterus and cervix. The full bladder (like any liquid) also acts as a sound enhancer allowing more detailed, higher resolution images to be captured.

Please be aware that due to the nature of ultrasound exams you may experience a delay to  your scheduled appointment time.  If you cannot hold your bladder, feel free to let small amounts out to make yourself more comfortable.  Do not completely empty your bladder as it will take considerable time to refill.  

Washrooms are conveniently located very close to the exam rooms.  

What can I expect during an obstetrical ultrasound?

Pregnancy ultrasounds can be technically challenging.  Part 1 of the exam may take anywhere from 45 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes depending on how well the baby cooperates.

Part 1

• During this portion of your exam only the expectant mother is allowed in the room.
• The technologist uses this time to thoroughly evaluate your baby and to acquire standard images that are then reviewed by the radiologist ( a doctor that specializes in ultrasound).

Part 2

• During this part of the exam additional family members are welcome in the room and a “live” ultrasound of the baby will be shown to everyone at the same time.

Important Reminder 

Sometimes the baby just might not be in the best position to see a particular body part. You may be asked to return on another day to complete the exam. This is not uncommon and should not alarm you.

Results

Ultrasound images must be interpreted by a Radiologist. Reports will be available to your doctor/midwife within one week. 

Ultrasound Photo

You will receive a glossy printed image.  Please note that no photos or recording/filming of any type permitted during your exam. 

Finding Out Your Baby’s Sex

Please inform the ultrasound technologist at the beginning of the exam if you do not want to know the sex of the baby—it will then be left out of the report.

•  The ultrasound technologist will make every effort to view the baby’s sex (genitals).
• Once the image is taken it will be sent to the radiologist for review.
• If the radiologist decides that there is enough information to accurately determine sex it will be put into the final report.
• Your doctor/midwife will be able to give you this information.
• Depending on your baby’s position and development, the technologist may not be able to determine sex with any degree of certainty. Please realize that determining sex is not the intent of the exam.
• Sex determination is not 100% accurate.
• The technologist is not permitted to disclose the sex to you at the time of the exam.

High Risk

High Risk Obstetrical ultrasound exams are performed anytime your physician, OB/GYN, or midwife wants a reassessment of the pregnancy. This type of ultrasound may be performed any time during your pregnancy and will take approximately 30-45 minutes.

Please note that that you may require a transvaginal pelvic exam as part of this appointment.

Preparation

• A full bladder is required for the exam.
• Please finish drinking 5-6 large glasses of water one (1) hour prior to your exam time.
• Do not empty your bladder.

A full bladder pushes your bowel out of the way, allowing the technologist to view the fetus, lower uterus and cervix. The full bladder (like any liquid) also acts as a sound enhancer allowing more detailed, higher resolution images by ultrasound.

A pelvic ultrasound takes pictures of the bladder and reproductive organs. This includes prostate in men and uterus/ovaries in women.

Preparation

• A full bladder is required for the exam.
• Please finish drinking 5-6 large glasses of water one (1) hour prior to your exam time.
• Do not empty your bladder.

A full bladder pushes bowel out of the way allowing visualization of prostate or uterus/ovaries. The full bladder (like any liquid) also acts as a sound enhancer allowing more detailed, higher resolution images by ultrasound.

Transvaginal Ultrasound

If more information is required during either a pelvic or obstetrical ultrasound, you may be offered a transvaginal ultrasound exam to further clarify organs/structures. The majority of pelvic ultrasound exams undergo the transvaginal portion of the exam.

• Transvaginal ultrasound is an examination of the female pelvis (uterus, ovaries, pregnancy).
• It differs from a regular ultrasound as it images the organs from inside the vagina allowing a much higher resolution of all internal structures.
• This will help guide the discussion between you and your doctor about any further investigation or treatment that may be required
• A transvaginal ultrasound is not mandatory, if you feel uncomfortable with the process you are free to decline the exam. No one will pressure you into having a transvaginal exam.

Once the pelvic or obstetrical portion of the exam is done the ultrasound technologist will offer you the transvaginal exam if it is deemed necessary.

• If you agree to this exam you will be asked to empty your bladder completely and change into a gown.
• You will then lie on the stretcher with a small cushion placed under your hips.
• The technologist will hand you a long thin ultra-sound probe (slightly larger than a tampon) with a non-latex protective cover and lubricating gel applied to the tip. Please note: If your technologist is male a female chaperone (nurse, health professional, staff member) will be present throughout the transvaginal exam.
• You will then be instructed to insert the probe into the vaginal opening, the technologist will then gently move and turn the probe in order to bring the areas for study into focus.
• You may feel a mild pressure as the transducer is moved.
• If you are bleeding or menstruating it is not a problem and in some instances, it is an advantage in assessing a variety of gynecological problems.

Spinal Ultrasound is the use of high frequency ultrasound waves to view the spinal cord and surrounding areas in babies up to one year of age.

There may be some instances where a spinal x-ray is added after the ultrasound. This is considered part of the routine exam.

Preparation

There is no preparation required for this type of exam.

Testicular ultrasound is the use of high frequency ultrasound waves to take pictures of the testicles, scrotum and related structures.

It is sometimes necessary for the technologist to look at other areas of your groin and/or your kidneys. This is a normal part of the exam and should not alarm you.

Preparation

There is no preparation for this type of exam.

Thyroid and Neck Ultrasound takes pictures of the thyroid gland, parotid and submandibular salivary glands, and neck lymph nodes.

Preparation

There is no preparation required for this type of exam.

Vascular ultrasound uses high frequency ultrasound waves along with Doppler technology in order to take pictures of the blood vessels throughout the body.

Common exams include ultrasound of the Carotid arteries, arm and leg veins, and liver vasculature.

Preparation

There is no preparation required for this type of exam.

Patient Information Sheet

Please click here to learn more about Vascular Ultrasound – Carotid Arteries.

A core biopsy is performed to obtain small pieces of tissue from a specific area in your body. The tissue will then be examined with a microscope in the lab to help obtain a diagnosis.

• This procedure can be done in by a CT Scan or Ultrasound Scan.
• The type of scan is determined by the Radiologist, who will be doing the biopsy.
• The type of scan is chosen depending on the safest way to reach the area that is to be sampled.

How do I prepare for a biopsy?

• Follow the directions given to you by the Interventional Radiology Nurse.
• You should have stopped taking aspirin or any blood thinners as instructed.
• Please note that although the procedure itself is relatively short (30 minutes) you may be kept in the Imaging Department or Surgical Services for up to 4 hours.
• Please have someone come with you since you cannot drive yourself home following the biopsy.

What can I expect during a biopsy?

• The day of the procedure you will be instructed to report to either the Imaging Department or the Surgical Services Department.
• If needed, blood work will be done and an IV will be started.
• The nurse may give you a light sedative medication through the IV. Your blood pressure, pulse and oxygen levels will be monitored during the procedure.
• You will then be taken to the biopsy procedure room.
• You will be instructed to lie in a position that enables us to reach the area easily.
• The Radiologist will mark your skin, clean the area and then inject local freezing in and around the area to be biopsied. Once the freezing is in, you may still feel pressure but there should be no sharp pain.
• A needle device is used to obtain the samples and a bandage is applied when the exam is over.
• If you started in Surgical Services, you will return there for several hours to be monitored before you go home. You will need a driver to return home.

What should I expect after the biopsy?

The following symptoms are common and usually go away without any treatment:

• Light bruising
• Mild discomfort/pain

The following symptoms require urgent attention. Contact your family doctor immediately, or go to the nearest Emergency Department in your area if you experience these symptoms:

• Fever– A significant infection may occur in a small minority of patients. It is of utmost importance that treatment for this be started as soon as possible.
• Pain/ Swelling– Increasing pain with or without swelling may indicate that there is bleeding.
• Malaise—A feeling of being “unwell”, tired, listless, or loss of appetite will need further attention.

When will I receive the results of my biopsy?

The biopsy samples will be sent to the laboratory for analysis. Results are usually available in two weeks and will be discussed with you at your next doctor’s appointment.

Ultrasound is used to visualize the salivary gland using ultrasound waves. Samples of salivary gland tissue will be taken to send to the lab for further analysis.

How do I prepare for a salivary gland biopsy under ultrasound guidance?

• Follow the instructions given to you by your ENT.
• You should have stopped taking aspirin or any blood thinners 10 days prior to the biopsy date.
• Please note that although the procedure itself is relatively short (30 minutes) you may be kept in the Imaging Department for up to 4 hours if there is any suspicion of bleeding around the salivary gland following the biopsy.
• Please have someone come with you to the exam. You cannot drive yourself home following the biopsy.

What can I expect during a salivary gland biopsy under ultrasound guidance?

• The procedure will begin with you lying on your back with your neck extended.
• The ultrasound technologist will run a probe along the surface of your neck.
• The radiologist will then begin the biopsy part of the procedure.
• You will be given freezing (similar to the dentist) directly into your neck near the area to be biopsied.
• Another similar needle will be inserted into the salivary gland in order to remove a small amount of tissue to be later analyzed by the lab.
• The biopsy portion of the exam is relatively short.
• The Radiologist will usually take 3 or more samples while simultaneously observing with the ultra-sound probe.
• Once the procedure is over pressure will be applied to your neck for approximately 10 minutes after which ultrasound will be used again to look for any bleeding around the salivary gland.
• Although rare, there may be some bleeding inside the neck after the biopsy. If this is the case, then you will re-main in the ultrasound department until the bleeding has stopped—up to 4 hours.

What should I expect after the biopsy?

The following symptoms are common and usually go away without any treatment:

• Light bruising
• Mild discomfort/pain in the neck area

The following symptoms require urgent attention. Contact your family doctor immediately, or go to the nearest Emergency Department in your area if you experience these symptoms:

• Fever– A significant infection may occur in a small minority of patients. It is of utmost importance that treatment for this be started as soon as possible.
• Pain/ Swelling– Increasing neck pain with or without swelling may indicate that there is bleeding around the thyroid.

When will I receive the results of my biopsy?

The biopsy samples will be sent to the laboratory for analysis. Results are usually available in two weeks and will be discussed with you at your next ENT appointment.

Transrectal ultrasound is an examination of the prostate gland via ultrasound waves. It differs from a regular ultrasound as it images the organs from inside the rectum allowing a detailed image of internal structures. Samples of the prostate will be taken to send to the lab for further analysis.

How do I prepare for a transrectal prostate biopsy under ultrasound guidance?

• Follow the instructions given to you by your urologist.
• Preparations may include a “fleet” enema the night before the biopsy and antibiotics to be taken prior to and following the biopsy.
• It is very important to follow your antibiotic instructions very carefully in order to minimize chances of infection following the procedure.

What can I expect during a transrectal prostate biopsy under ultrasound guidance?

• The procedure will begin with you lying on your left side.
• • The urologist will then insert a gel covered ultrasound probe into your rectum.
• • You will feel a sensation not unlike the feeling of having a bowel movement.
• • You will then be given freezing around the prostate via the rectum and ultrasound images of your prostate will be taken.
• • The biopsy portion of the exam is relatively short.
• The urologist will take anywhere from 12-16 small tissue samples from your prostate.
• You will feel the probe moving and turning as different parts of the prostate are sampled.
• The biopsy gun itself makes a loud clicking sound during each biopsy—this is normal and should not alarm you.
• Once the procedure is over, the ultrasound probe will be removed and you will be asked to wait in the hospital for approximately 15-30 minutes.

What should I expect after the biopsy?

The following symptoms are common and usually go away without any treatment:

• Blood in the urine (lasts up to a week)
• Blood in the stool (lasts several days)
• Blood in semen (can last for weeks)
• Mild pelvic and/or lower back aching.

The following symptoms require urgent attention. Contact your family doctor immediately, or go to the nearest Emergency Department in your area if you experience these symptoms:

• Fever– A significant urinary infection will develop in 1% of patients. It is of utmost importance that treatment for this be started as soon as possible.
• Pain– Increasing pelvic or lower back pain may indicate that there is bleeding around the prostate.

When will I receive the results of my biopsy?

The biopsy samples will be sent to the laboratory for analysis. Results are usually available in two weeks and will be discussed with you at your next Urologist appointment.

Thyroid ultrasound is used to visualize the thyroid gland using ultrasound waves.

How do I prepare for a thyroid biopsy under ultrasound guidance?

• Follow the instructions given to you by your ENT.
• You should have stopped taking aspirin or any blood thinners 10 days prior to the biopsy date.
• Please note that although the procedure itself is relatively short (30 minutes) you may be kept in the Imaging Department for up to 4 hours if there is any suspicion of bleeding around the thyroid following the biopsy.
• Please have someone come with you to the exam. You cannot drive yourself home following the biopsy.

What can I expect during a thyroid biopsy under ultrasound guidance?

• The procedure will begin with you lying on your back with your neck extended.
• The ultrasound technologist will run a probe along the surface of your neck to look at your thyroid gland.
• The radiologist will then begin the biopsy part of the procedure.
• You will be given freezing (similar to the dentist) directly into your neck near the nodule(s) that are to be biopsied.
• Another similar needle will be inserted into the nodule(s) in order to remove a small amount of tissue to be later analyzed by the lab.
• The biopsy portion of the exam is relatively short. The Radiologist will usually take 2 or 3 samples per nodule while simultaneously observing with the ultrasound probe.
• Once the procedure is over pressure will be applied to your neck for approximately 10 minutes after which ultrasound will be used again to look for any bleeding around the thyroid.
• Although rare, there may be some bleeding inside the neck after the biopsy. If this is the case, then you will remain in the ultrasound department until the bleeding has stopped—up to 4 hours.

What should I expect after the biopsy?

The following symptoms are common and usually go away without any treatment:

• Light bruising
• Mild discomfort/pain in the neck area

The following symptoms require urgent attention. Contact your family doctor immediately, or go to the nearest Emergency Department in your area if you experience these symptoms:

• Fever– A significant infection may occur in a small minority of patients. It is of utmost importance that treatment for this be started as soon as possible.
• Pain/ Swelling– Increasing neck pain with or without swelling may indicate that there is bleeding around the thyroid.

When will I receive the results of my biopsy?

The biopsy samples will be sent to the laboratory for analysis. Results are usually available in two weeks and will be discussed with you at your next ENT appointment.