Sonogram Imaging
About This Imaging Test
Sometimes called sonography, ultrasound imaging uses sound waves to create pictures of organs, veins and arteries, or an unborn baby. During an ultrasound procedure, a microphone-like instrument called a transducer is scanned over the skin where it sends sound waves into the body. The sound waves bounce off of tissue and reflect back to the transducer, where they are recorded and displayed as real-time images.
Sonograms are commonly used during pregnancy to monitor the growth and development of a baby. They are also used to evaluate the body’s circulatory system by helping to monitor blood flow to organs and tissues throughout the body. This can help physicians locate abnormalities in various organs, narrowed arteries, clotted veins, or growths such as tumors or cysts.
How the Test is Performed
An ultrasound machine makes images so that organs inside the body can be examined. The machine sends out high-frequency sound waves, which reflect off body structures. A computer receives the waves and uses them to create a picture. Unlike with an x-ray or CT scan, this test does not use ionizing radiation.
The test is done in the ultrasound or radiology department.
- You will lie down for the test.
- A clear, water-based gel is applied to the skin on the area to be examined. The gel helps with the transmission of the sound waves.
- A handheld probe called a transducer is moved over the area being examined. You may need to change position so that other areas can be examined.
Most procedures are completed in 30 minutes to an hour.
How to Prepare for the Test
Your preparation will depend on the part of the body being examined.
How the Test will Feel
Most of the time, ultrasound procedures do not cause discomfort. The conducting gel may feel a little cold and wet.
Why the Test is Performed
The reason for the test will depend on your symptoms.
Normal Results
Results are considered normal if the organs and structures being examined look ok.
What Abnormal Results Mean
The meaning of abnormal results will depend on the part of the body being examined and the problem found. Talk to your health care provider about your questions and concerns.
Risks
There are no known risks. The test does not use ionizing radiation.
Hospitals/Medical Centers
Cape Coral Hospital
- 636 Del Prado Blvd.
- Cape Coral, FL 33990
- Hours:
- Hours vary depending on the type of unit, the level of care, patient needs or physicians' instructions. Please call for unit hours.
- Phone: 239-424-2000
Gulf Coast Medical Center
- 13681 Doctor's Way
- Fort Myers, FL 33912
- (Located at Daniels and Metro Parkway)
- Hours:
- Hours vary depending on the type of unit, the level of care, patient needs or physicians' instructions. Please call for unit hours.
- Phone: 239-343-1000
HealthPark Medical Center
- 9981 S. HealthPark Drive
- Fort Myers, FL 33908
- (Located at Summerlin and Bass Road)
- Hours:
- Hours vary depending on the type of unit, the level of care, patient needs or physicians' instructions. Please call for unit hours.
- Phone: 239-343-5000
Lee Memorial Hospital
- 2776 South Cleveland Ave.
- Fort Myers, FL 33901
- (Located on US 41 near downtown Fort Myers )
- Hours:
- Hours vary depending on the type of unit, the level of care, patient needs or physicians' instructions. Please call for unit hours.
- Phone: 239-343-2000
Specialty Centers
Imaging and Radiology - Outpatient MRI
- 7331 College Parkway
- Fort Myers, FL 33919
- Imaging Available:
- MRI
- Hours:
- Mon - Fri: 8am - 3:30pm
- Phone: 239-343-3338
Outpatient Locations
Imaging and Radiology
- Outpatient Center at Riverwalk *
- 12600 Creekside Lane
- Suite 1
- Fort Myers, FL 33919
- Imaging Available:
- CT, MRI Open High Field, Ultrasound, X-Ray, Fluoroscopy
- Hours:
- Mon - Fri: 7am - 7pm
- Sat: 8am - 12:30pm
* An outpatient department of Lee Memorial Hospital
- Phone: 239-424-1499
- Fax: 239-424-1439
Imaging and Radiology
- Outpatient Center at The Sanctuary *
- 8960 Colonial Center Drive
- Fort Myers, FL 33905
- Imaging Available:
- All services digital, CT, Fluoroscopy, MRI, MRI/Arthrograms, Nuclear Medicine, Ultrasound, X-Ray
- Hours:
- Mon - Fri : 7am - 6pm
- Phone: 239-424-1499
- Fax: 239-424-1439
Outpatient Center at Surfside *
- 2441 Surfside Blvd.
- Suite 104
- Cape Coral, FL 33914
- Hours:
- Hours of operation vary per service. Please call for hours.
- Services available:
- CT, Dexa, Mammogram Screening - Digital, Mammogram Diagnostic - Digital, MRI, MRI Breast, MRI Cardiac, MRI Guided Biopsies, Stereotactic Biopsy, Ultrasound, Ultrasound Breast, Ultrasound Guided Biopsy.
* An outpatient department of Lee Memorial Hospital
- Phone: 239-424-1499
Imaging and Radiology
- Outpatient Center at HealthPark Commons *
- 16281 Bass Road
- Suite 202
- Fort Myers, FL 33908
- Imaging Available:
- CT, Dexa, EKG, Mammogram Screening - Digital, MRI, MRI Cardiac, MRI/Arthrogram, Nuclear Medicine, Nuclear Medicine Stress Test, Ultrasound
- Hours:
- Mon - Fri: 7am - 5pm
- Phone: 239-343-7247
- Fax: 239-343-5197