So you’re having an Ultrasound!

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So You're Having an Ultrasound

Be sure to review your requisition, prior to your appointment day, and follow the appropriate preparation (listed on the back of the form) for your type of examination.

What is an Ultrasound?

Sonography (Ultrasound) is a sound-based medical imaging technique that is used to evaluate the organs and tissues of the body, including pregnancy. It has been used in medicine for more than 50 years, and has become one of the most widely used diagnostic tools in modern medicine. It is a relatively inexpensive medical procedure with no known risk to the patient.

During an ultrasound examination, sound waves are applied to the body, and a special computer changes these sound waves into pictures, that depict what the body looks like. The pictures are used by doctors and other medical practitioners to evaluate their patients various conditions and disease processes.

Learn more about ultrasound here!

Mouse over any procedure & image below to read up on the preparation for your appointment

MORE on what you need to know for “Your Appointment Day” after the procedure images & information on this page (or click the link).

Remember, your Health card is your passport to healthcare in Ontario.
Without it, fees will be charged to you.

Abdominal Ultrasound

This scan is done to image the abdominal organs such as the liver, pancreas, gallbladder and kidneys.

Abdominal Ultrasound Preparation

Nothing to eat or drink after midnight the night before your appointment.
Water may be taken to relieve thirst, or to take your medications.
Do not chew gum on the day of your appointment.
Eat a low fat diet the day preceding your ultrasound.

How long will it take? Approximately 30 minutes.

Abdominal and Pelvic Ultrasound Combination

This scan is done to evaluate the abdominal organs such as the liver, pancreas, gallbladder and kidneys, and the pelvic organs.

YOUR BLADDER MUST BE FULL FOR THIS SCAN.

Abdominal and Pelvic Ultrasound Combination Preparation

Nothing to eat or drink (other than water) after midnight the night before your appointment.
You may drink water ONLY up until appointment time.
Eat a low fat diet the day preceding your ultrasound.
IN ADDITION - finishing drinking 24 ounces (750ml) of water 1 hour prior to your appointment time to fill you bladder.
Do not empty your bladder prior to your appointment.
YOUR BLADDER MUST BE FULL FOR THIS SCAN

How long will it take? 30-40 minutes.

3D Ultrasound

3 and 4 Dimensional imaging of the fetus can be performed between 30-32 weeks, providing that the 20 wk fetal scan was done here at Aylmer Ultrasound.

YOUR BLADDER MUST BE FULL FOR THIS SCAN.

3D Ultrasound Preparation

A 30 minute appointment time will provide for live 3D viewing (4D) of the baby, and any pictures that are obtained during this time and placed on a USB.

Call 519-773-3683

for more information & pricing as this is a fee for service session, NOT covered by OHIP.

Urinary Tract

This scan is done to evaluate the kidneys, ureters, bladder and pelvic regions.

YOUR BLADDER MUST BE FULL FOR THIS SCAN.

Urinary Tract Preparation

Nothing to eat for 6 hours prior to your appointment time.
Do not chew gum on the day of your appointment.
IN ADDITION - finish drinking 24 ounces (750 ml) of water 1 hour prior to your appointment time.
DO not empty your bladder prior to your appointment.

How long will it take? Approximately 30 minutes.

Pelvis / Endovaginal

This scan is done to evaluate the female pelvis. The uterus, ovaries and surrounding structures.

YOUR BLADDER MUST BE FULL FOR THIS SCAN.

Pelvis / Endovaginal Preparation

Finish drinking 24 ounces (750 ml) of water 1 hour prior to your appointment time.
Do not empty your bladder prior to your appointment.
YOUR BLADDER MUST BE FULL FOR THIS SCAN.
You may eat prior to this scan.
After the full bladder imaging is complete, you will empty your bladder and proceed to the Endovaginal scan.
This exam is done to more closely evaluate the pelvic organs and is part of the routine pelvic ultrasound exam.
A special probe is inserted into the vagina for imaging of the uterus and ovaries.
The sonographer will only proceed with the endovaginal exam after consent from the patient.
Patients under the age of 16 will not be offered the endovaginal scan.

Limited Obstetrical for Dates/eFTS Scanning

This scan is done prior to 16 weeks to evaluate an early pregnancy. If requested by the ordering practitioner, the eFTS scan is done at this time (11- 14 weeks) to measure the nuchal translucency.

YOUR BLADDER MUST BE FULL FOR THIS SCAN.

Limited Obstetrical for Dates/eFTS Scanning Preparation

Finish drinking 24 ounces (750 ml) of liquid (water, coffee, tea, non-carbonated drinks) 1 hour prior to your appointment time.

You may eat.

YOUR BLADDER MUST BE FULL FOR THIS EXAM.

Bring along your eFTS bloodwork requisitions, as you will be sent to the blood lab following your scan, to complete the eFTS screening process.

Obstetrical for Fetal Anatomy

This scan is done to image the fetus at 20 weeks.

YOUR BLADDER MUST BE FULL FOR THIS SCAN.

Obstetrical Preparation

Finish drinking 24 ounces (750 ml) of liquid (water, coffee, tea or non-carbonated drinks) 1 hour prior to your appointment time.
Do not empty your bladder prior to your appointment time.
YOUR BLADDER MUST BE FULL FOR THIS EXAM.
You may eat.

How long will it take? Between 30 and 45 minutes.

Carotid Doppler

This scan is done to evaluate the carotid arteries and veins of the neck.

Carotid Doppler Preparation

There is no preparation for this exam.

How long will it take? Approximately 30 minutes.

Thyroid Ultrasound

This scan is done to evaluate the thyroid gland on the neck.

Thyroid Ultrasound Preparation

There is no preparation for this exam.

How long will it take? Approximately 15-30 minutes

Posterior Knee

This scan is done to evaluate the space in the back of the knee joint for fluid accumulation.

Posterior Knee Preparation

There is no preparation for this exam.
To avoid having to undress, you might wear shorts, a skirt, or pants that can be pulled up to the mid thigh.

How long will it take? Approximately 15 minutes.

Scrotal Ultrasound

This ultrasound is done to evaluate the scrotum, and testicles.

Scrotal Ultrasound Preparation

There is no preparation for this exam.

How long does it take? Approximately 15- 30 Minutes.

Leg Veins for DVT

This scan is done to evaluate the veins between the knee and the groin, for the presence of deep vein thrombosis (clots).

Leg Veins for DVT Preparation

There is no preparation for this exam.
You will be required to remove your outer clothing from the waist down to access your leg.

How long will it take? Approximately 15-30 minutes.

Shoulder Ultrasound

This scan is done to evaluate the tendons and tissues of the rotator cuff of the shoulder.

Shoulder Ultrasound Preparation

There is no preparation for this exam.
Ladies are asked to wear a sleeveless top, or tank top that will allow for easy access to the shoulder without having to undress.
How long will it take? Approximately 15 minutes.

Aylmer Ultrasound does NOT perform imaging of the breast. We recommend that this highly specialized examination be done at the Breast Care Centres at St.Thomas-Elgin General Hospital, 519-631-2000 ext 2000, or St Joseph’s Healthcare, London Ontario. 519-646-6100 ext. 65008 | Breast Imaging: 519 646-6100 ext. 64060.

Visit their website: http://www.sjhc.london.on.ca/breastcare

Can’t find the answer? Looking for something we maybe we overlooked? Please feel free to contact us anytime!

Your Appointment Day

Be sure to review your requisition, and follow the appropriate preparation (listed on the back of the form) for your type of examination.
Please arrive 10 minutes prior to your booked appointment time to allow for processing of your health information.
Be sure to bring your yellow requisition form (your permission form from your doctor) and your Health Card.
Patients that arrive late, may need to be rebooked to another day.
Patients that do not bring their health card will be charged personally for the examination.
Patients that do not follow the preparation for their type of examination will be rebooked.

If you need to cancel or change your appointment date or time, please call our booking line
@ 519-773-3683.

Services at Aylmer Ultrasound are covered by O.H.I.P.

Self Pay Patients
(those without OHIP coverage)

These patients will need to pay for their examinations on the day of service. Fees are as outlined in the OHIP Schedule of Benefits, and range between $50 and $200.

For more information regarding the fees due for your specific examination, call our direct line at
519-773-3683.

Cash or cheque only.