Gastroenterology Associates of Central Georgia LLC
Gastroenterologists located in Macon, Gray, Warner Robins, and Milledgeville, GA
An ultrasound is an excellent imaging tool that can help your physician get a better look inside of your body, helping them to diagnose any potential medical conditions you might be dealing with. If you need an ultrasound, schedule a visit with Gastroenterology Associates of Central Georgia. From their state-of-the-art clinic in Macon, Georgia, the team of medical professionals provides high-quality ultrasounds that are quick, painless, and informative. Book your visit today by calling the office.
Ultrasounds Q & A
What is an ultrasound?
An ultrasound is a diagnostic imaging test. It uses soundwaves to record the acoustic properties of your tissues and organs, which it processes into images that can be viewed on a monitor by you and your doctor.
Gastroenterology Associates of Central Georgia also offer “Doppler” or continuous ultrasounds. These use a continuous sound wave to assess blood flow to and from your digestive organs or intestinal tract, which can help identify blocked arteries, blood clots, or decreased circulation.
When do I need an ultrasound?
Generally speaking, your gastroenterologist gives an abdominal ultrasound whenever they need a deeper look into your body. An ultrasound can help your doctor:
Evaluate your organs, like your pancreas, liver, bile ducts, or gallbladder
Detect the presence of an abnormality like gallstones, swelling, or cysts
Determine the cause of abdominal pain, fever, organ swelling, or fluid retention
Follow up on abnormal results of blood tests
Monitor tumors
Look for damage after an injury
By giving the team at Gastroenterology Associates of Central Georgia, a more detailed look at the inner workings of your digestive system, an ultrasound helps to make your treatment plan more effective and efficient.
What happens when I get an ultrasound?
The process of getting an ultrasound is quick and noninvasive.
You’re typically asked to fast from food and water for six to eight hours before your ultrasound. Before the test begins, you’ll need to remove any jewelry that might interfere with the area that your doctor is examining.
You lie down on an examining table, and your specialist applies a water-based conducting gel to your skin on the area that’s being examined. This gel helps a handheld device, called a transducer, to transmit the sound waves.
Your specialist lightly presses the transducer on your abdomen and moves it back and forth over the organ that they’re examining. You have to remain still during your ultrasound to get the clearest images possible. You might need to hold your breath for short periods of time or occasionally change positions to get a better view of a key area.
You won’t feel or hear the soundwaves as they pass through you, and the whole procedure should be comfortable and easy. Most ultrasounds take less than 30 minutes, but depending on what’s being tested, your ultrasound might take up to 60 minutes.