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.

A sonographer is a medical imaging specialist who uses sound waves (ultrasound )to obtain images of the body for interpretation by a Radiologist.  Sonographers at Aylmer Ultrasound are highly qualified, highly experienced, and are certified by the Canadian and American registries, and are members of the College of Medical Radiation Technologists) They are also certified by the Fetal Medicine Foundation to perform the Enhanced First Trimester Screen (eFTS) measurements in pregnancy. They meet and maintain high standards in continuing medical education yearly.

A radiologist is a medical doctor who has dedicated his/her specialty to medical imaging. They are experts in the science of evaluating the body using various imaging tools such as Ultrasound, CT, MRI and X-rays. They meet and maintain high levels of education as expected by their national and provincial governing bodies. Our radiologist will review the images taken by the sonographer, and provide an interpretation to your doctor/nurse practitioner/midwife to aid in your diagnosis or assessment.

Food in the digestive tract causes the ultrasound images to be of poor or non-diagnostic quality, resulting in limited information provided to your doctor. If your preparation specifies “fasting” – no food is to be taken prior to your exam. Small sips of water may be taken to relieve thirst.

The bladder is like a balloon within the pelvis. When it is fully distended, it provides a “window” into the pelvis so that the uterus, ovaries, and surrounding structures can be evaluated. Do your best to be as full as possible for your examination, by following the preparation as listed here in our “preparation” menu, or on the back of the requisition.

No, there is no child care provided during your examination. Bring along another adult to stay with your children while you are having your Ultrasound.