Ultrasound

An ultrasound test uses high frequency sound waves to visualize internal structures in very fine detail. The sound waves come from a special wand (transducer) and travel into your body. They bounce off of the structures in your body and travel back to the transducer, while the machine translates this information into a "real-time" image on a TV screen. Ultrasound is completely safe, using only sound waves and no radiation. You will experience no discomfort while having your ultrasound.

Our technologists are registered in ultrasound, and HVRA is accredited by the American College of Radiology for OB, General, Breast and Vascular Ultrasound Services including peripheral vascular, cerebrovascular, and deep abdominal vascular ultrasound. Visit our Vascular Lab page for more information on vascular ultrasound exams.

Ultrasound-Guided Breast Biopsies -- HVRA also performs ACR-accredited ultrasound-guided breast biopsies, a highly accurate way to evaluate suspicious masses within the breast that are visible on ultrasound, whether or not they can be felt on breast self-examination or clinical examination. The procedure prevents the need to remove tissue surgically, and also eliminates the radiation exposure that comes from using x-rays to locate a mass.

About Your Exam
Your ultrasound exam will take between 45 minutes and 1 hour, regardless of the specific type of exam.

Ultrasound-Guided Breast Biopsies: After placing an ultrasound probe over the site of the breast lump and using local anesthesia, the radiologist guides a biopsy device directly into the mass. Tissue specimens are then taken and sent to an outside laboratory for further analysis.

How to Prepare
If you are taking aspirin, muscle relaxants, herbal supplements or a blood thinner, your doctor may advise you to stop three days before the procedure to minimize bleeding. A preparation sheet also will be mailed to you prior to your biopsy. You may want to have a relative or friend provide transportation to and from your appointment.

Exam Results
We will provide your full exam results to your doctor within 24 to 48 hours. You should consult your doctor directly to review your results.

Locations Offering Ultrasound
Ultrasound is offered at our Danbury and Southbury locations.