Most often, ultrasounds are performed on an outpatient basis, but these tests may be used in hospitals as part of diagnostic patient care. In general, most ultrasounds follow a similar procedure:

1. Depending on the area being tested, the patient may lie on a padded examining table during the test. During the actual test, which normally takes only about 20 to 30 minutes, it may be necessary to change into a hospital gown depending on the area to be examined.
   
   
2. A small amount of water-soluble gel, which acts as a conducer, is placed on the part of the body to be tested and/or directly on the transducer, a small device that sends ultrasound waves through the body. The gel does not harm the skin or stain clothing. It is important to note that the ultrasound’s transducer should not be placed over an open or draining wound.
   
   
3. The technician places the transducer on the part of the body to be scanned. In some tests, a probe transducer may be placed within an opening, such as the vagina or anus.
   
   
4. The sound waves sent from the transducer bounce off the structures within the body and the information is deciphered by the computer to create the ultrasound images.
   
   
5. The ultrasound images then appear on the television monitor and the moving pictures can be recorded as still images that can be printed or saved on videotape.

There is little or no pain associated with the ultrasound test though there may be some discomfort with internal ultrasounds, such as a transvaginal procedure. During the examination, a physician may be present with the technician to interpret the results. If the physician is not present, the results may be shown to the physician prior to completion of the test. This allows the physician to request additional views or images if necessary.

Once the test is completed, the images are evaluated by a radiologist and the results are sent to the patient’s physicians. It is important the patient indicate all of the physicians or facilities that should receive a copy of the ultrasound report. If the ultrasound shows a problem or an area of concern, additional diagnostic tests (e.g., mammography, CAT scan) are usually recommended.