{"id":848,"date":"2026-08-05T19:19:00","date_gmt":"2026-08-05T19:19:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/clients.armadamedical.com\/urg\/?page_id=848"},"modified":"2026-08-14T20:13:13","modified_gmt":"2026-08-14T20:13:13","slug":"ultrasounds","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/clients.armadamedical.com\/urg\/services\/ultrasounds\/","title":{"rendered":"Ultrasounds"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ultrasounds at University Radiology<\/h1>\n

Transabdominal vs. Transvaginal Ultrasounds<\/a> | Preparation<\/a> | Types of Ultrasounds<\/a> | Women\u2019s Health Sonograms<\/a> | FAQs<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Ultrasonography is a method of examining parts of the body without the use of X-rays. Instead, it passes harmless sound waves through the body to record a picture on film. Ultrasounds can be used to assess pregnancy, diagnose certain medical conditions, and guide physicians during interventional radiology procedures.<\/p>\n

Ultrasounds are extremely useful because they are portable, widely available, and radiation-free. They also cost less<\/a> than other imaging studies, like CT scans. They are the preferred technique for collecting real-time images of fluid-filled organs and collections of fluid in other areas of the body.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Transabdominal vs. Transvaginal Ultrasounds<\/h2>\n

During a transabdominal ultrasound exam, a water-soluble “gel” is put on the skin over the area of concern. A sonographer will hold a transducer or probe (wand) and move it over the area to capture images. Transabdominal ultrasounds are completely noninvasive and usually painless.<\/p>\n

In some women\u2019s health cases, a transvaginal (TV) ultrasound<\/a> is needed. Instead of an external probe, the sonographer or the patient inserts a slender probe into the vagina. The probe is covered with a sterile condom for the patient’s protection, as well as a water-soluble gel. The sonographer takes the end of the probe and gently moves it from side to side to get a clear view of the uterus, ovaries, and bladder. This exam should be painless, although patients with certain pelvic issues may feel some discomfort.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>

Preparing for Your Ultrasound<\/h2>\n

Preparation instructions for ultrasound examinations vary widely depending on the test ordered. For example, bladder sonograms require the patient to drink 24 ounces of water 1.5 hours before their test to fill the bladder. Pregnancy and pelvic ultrasounds also require drinking specific amounts of water at specific times. In contrast, patients getting abdominal sonograms must stop eating and drinking at midnight the night before their test.<\/p>\n

All ultrasound exams require a written prescription or referral stating the exam being ordered and the patient\u2019s signs and symptoms indicating medical necessity of the procedure. Patients should bring previous films or related exams to their appointment.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>

Common Types of Ultrasound Studies<\/h2>\n

At University Radiology, we offer a range of outpatient ultrasound procedures.<\/p>\n