Ultrasound (Credit Valley Hospital, Mississauga Hospital, Queensway Health Centre)
Description of Service
Ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves that bounce off internal tissues and produce echoes. These echo patterns are shown on the screen of the ultrasound machine forming a picture of the body tissue being examined. (Alternative: “An ultrasound uses sound waves to make pictures of the inside of your body. The sound waves bounce off your organs and tissues, and the machine shows these as images on the screen)
These studies are performed by registered medical sonographers and radiologists.
There are no known harmful effects to adults, children or unborn babies.
The reason for the examination will depend on your condition or symptoms.
Specific Services Offered
Some specific ultrasound exams include:
- Abdominal ultrasound
- Pregnancy ultrasound
- Vascular ultrasound
- Thyroid ultrasound
- Trans-vaginal ultrasound
- Prostate ultrasound
- Testicle ultrasound
- Extremity ultrasound
Preparation for Visit
How to Prepare for Your Procedure
Preparing for General Abdomen Ultrasound (Gallbladder, Liver, Pancreas, Spleen, Kidney and Aorta):
Adults: Please allow a minimum of 45 minutes for your appointment.
Do not eat or drink anything for 12 hours before your appointment.
Avoid gas producing foods such as beans and carbonated beverages for 24 hours before your examination.
There will be less gas if you refrain from smoking and chewing gum for 12 hours.
Patients on medication may take it with a small amount of water.
Insulin dependant diabetics should take their insulin with dry toast and juice the morning of their examination.
Children 12 years and under: do not eat or drink for four hours prior to the examination time.
Infants: stop feeding two hours prior to examination time.
Preparing for Kidney and Bladder Ultrasound Only:
Please allow a minimum of one hour for your appointment.
Your bladder must be full. Please finish drinking three to four large glasses of water or clear fluids one hour before your appointment time to allow time for your bladder to fill.
You may eat.
Preparing for Thyroid, Neck, Testicles, Extremities Ultrasound:
Please allow a minimum of 30 minutes for your appointment.
No preparation necessary.
What to Expect from Your Procedure
The test is done in the ultrasound department. There is generally little discomfort with ultrasound procedures. You will be lying down for the procedure. A clear, water-based conducting gel is applied to the skin over the area being examined to help with the transmission of the sound waves. The conducting gel may feel slightly cold and wet. A handheld probe called a transducer is then moved over the area being examined. You may be asked to change position so that other areas can be examined.
How It Works
An ultrasound machine creates images that allow various organs in the body to be examined. The machine sends out high-frequency sound waves, which reflect off body structures. A computer receives these reflected waves and uses them to create a picture. Unlike with an x-ray, there is no ionizing radiation exposure with this test. Ultrasound is safe to be used on infants, children and during pregnancy.
Most ultrasound examinations are performed in the manner described. However, certain circumstances require that the ultrasound probe be inserted into the body, rather than simply passing it over the skin. Consult your health care provider to determine the specifics of your test.
Please note that due to the high number of patient visits to our hospital every day, you may experience clinic wait times and a delay in finding parking. We encourage you to arrive early and allow for extra time on the day of your appointment. If you arrive more than 15 minutes late, the appointment will be rescheduled to another day. We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience and understanding.
Care Team
- registered medical sonographers
- radiologists
Hours of Operation
Credit Valley Hospital
Mon - Sunday: 7:00 am - 12:00 am
On-Call 12:00 am - 7:00 am
Mississauga Hospital
Mon - Sunday: 7:30 am - 12:00 am
On-Call 12:00 am - 7:30 am
Queensway Health Centre
Mon-Sun: 7:30 am - 11:30 pm
Location
Diagnostic Imaging
Credit Valley Hospital
2200 Eglinton Ave. W.
Mississauga, Ontario L5M 2N1
Diagnostic Imaging
Mississauga Hospital
100 Queensway W
Mississauga, ON L5B 1B8
Diagnostic Imaging
Queensway Health Centre
150 Sherway Dr
Etobicoke, ON M9C 1A5
Contact Information
Credit Valley Hospital
Phone Number: 905-813-2731
Mississauga Hospital
Phone Number: 416-521-4069
Queensway Health Centre
Phone Number: 416-521-4069
Referral Process
A referral from a doctor is required
For referring physicians:
New Ultrasound Intake Process
Triage guidelines have been established and all imaging requests will be reviewed and triaged prior to booking. We are asking physicians to provide an adequate clinical history on requisitions and to please fax all ultrasound requisitions to our department prior to booking at (905) 813-4418 (Credit Valley Hospital) or (416) 521-4014 (Mississauga Hospital or Queensway Health Centre). We will contact patients with an appointment date and time.
