Ultrasound Imaging Center
If you need an ultrasound test performed, Prestige Emergency Room in San Antonio is ready to help. We have the latest medical equipment, diagnostic imaging, and state-of-the-art testing capabilities in an inviting atmosphere – all without the long wait times.
What Is an Ultrasound?
Ultrasound imaging uses sound waves to take pictures of the inside of the body. Also called ultrasound scanning or sonography, this test uses a small transducer (probe) and gel, which is placed directly on the skin.
The high-frequency waves produce images of organs, soft tissues, blood vessels, and blood flow. The images are used for medical analysis. This process is a noninvasive, painless procedure that has minimal risks and uses no radiation.
What Is an Ultrasound Used For?
Most people associate ultrasound scans with pregnancy. However, the test has many other uses. In our ultrasound imaging centers, Prestige ER uses this test to diagnose issues in many parts of the body, including:
- Eyes.
- Brain (in infants).
- Thyroid.
- Heart.
- Blood vessels.
- Spleen.
- Pancreas.
- Gallbladder.
- Kidneys.
- Liver.
- Ovaries.
- Uterus.
- Testicles.
- Bladder.
When Should I Get an Ultrasound?
If you have sudden or recurring pain, swelling, or other symptoms that won’t subside, consider visiting Prestige Emergency Room and ask about our services. With our onsite labs and advanced radiology equipment, we can provide rapid results. We value your time and will quickly get you treated and back in action.
Ultrasound imaging is important in a variety of situations:
Identifying Blood Flow Issues
Blood clots and blockages can be life-threatening and require immediate care. Doctors often carefully monitor patients after surgery to ensure they don’t develop any of these issues in their blood vessels. This test gives your care team a clear view of the circulatory system. It can prevent larger issues by identifying potential problems quickly.
Diagnosing Abdominal Pain
Your abdominal cavity houses many vital internal organs, including the gallbladder, liver, and kidneys. When you have pain or swelling, it can be challenging to determine the origin of the issue without visualizing the organs. An ultrasound is often the easiest way to get a clear picture of how well your organs are functioning.
Preparing for Medical Procedures
This test is often helpful in conjunction with information-gathering procedures like biopsies. It can also be a useful way for your care team to monitor tumors or diagnose internal pain effectively and non-invasively.
What Happens During an Ultrasound?
At Prestige ER, we strive to ensure your comfort when you have an exam in our San Antonio ultrasound imaging centers.
After changing into a hospital gown, you will likely be lying down on a table with a portion of your body exposed for the imaging test. An ultrasound technician will apply lubricating gel to your skin. This gel prevents friction as the technician passes the transducer probe across your skin. It also helps transmit sound waves.
The transducer sends high-frequency sound waves through your body. The waves bounce back as they hit a dense object, such as an organ or bone. Those waves are then processed by a computer, forming an image that your doctor can interpret.
Depending on the area being examined, you may need to change positions several times so the technician can position the probe over the necessary areas.
At Prestige Emergency Room, this test typically lasts less than 30 minutes.
What Happens After an Ultrasound?
Following your exam, your doctor will review the images and check for any abnormalities. If they can diagnose your condition based on the results, your doctor will discuss your treatment options and begin treatment.
Regardless of the type of ultrasound you have and the results of your doctor’s review of your test, you will receive same-day results. Should anything abnormal appear on the test, you may need other diagnostic imaging, such as a CT scan, MRI, or a biopsy of concerning tissue.
Visit Prestige ER for High-Quality Ultrasound Services
Prestige ER is San Antonio’s premier emergency room, offering noninvasive ultrasounds at our imaging centers. Our team of experienced doctors and technicians is available 24/7 for a wide range of emergency or non-emergency health concerns at each of our four locations. We offer walk-in and call-ahead visits for your convenience.
