Ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves to create images of the inside of the body. There is no radiation and therefore, this exam does not pose a radiation risk to pregnant women and children. Pictures are obtained by placing an ultrasound transducer against the body. A small amount of gel that helps sound transmission is placed on the area of the body being imaged. The exam is painless and non-invasive. At DIS, all examinations are performed by sonographers who are certified by the ARDMS (American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers). In addition to being used in the evaluation of the fetus during pregnancy, ultrasound is used for other types of diagnostic procedures.

A specialized form of ultrasound called Doppler ultrasound can detect blood flow and is helpful in detecting stenoses of the carotid arteries (blockages in the blood vessels of the neck) as well as thromboses (blood clots) in the legs. All of the ultrasound units at DIS are equipped with this feature.

DIS is pleased to announce that our Inside Addition 3D/4D fetal ultrasound program is offered at our Women's Center and Marrero facilities. The 3D/4D scan is not part of the routine antenatal care and should only be considered a non-diagnostic elective scan. The procedure, which requires payment at time of service, allows expectant parents to experience a new way of bonding with their unborn child. For more information on this service, click here.   Click here to view a list of ultrasound procedures that do not require preparations. 

The following ultrasound procedures require special preparations. Those denoted with an asterisk require patients to drink 32 ounces of water 1 hour prior to appointment. Additional special instructions are noted below:  

*Aorta Echogram/Doppler

• You will need to begin fasting 8-10 hours prior to your exam.
• This exam cannot follow a barium enema, GI Small bowel, oral contrast, esophogram or CT that requires oral contrast.

*Abdominal Echogram/Doppler

• You will need to begin fasting 8-10 hours prior to your exam.
• This exam cannot follow a barium enema, GI Small bowel, oral contrast, esophogram or CT that requires oral contrast.

*Appendix Ultrasound

• You will need to begin fasting 6-8 hours prior to your exam.

*Bio-Physical Profile

• This exam should be performed during the third trimester of pregnancy (24-40 weeks).
• This exam is usually ordered in conjunction with a pregnancy ultrasound.
• You will need to empty your bladder and then drink 32 ounces of water one hour prior to appointment. It is important that your bladder remain full for this exam, so do not void until your exam is complete.

*Bladder Echogram

• You will need to empty your bladder and then drink 32 ounces of water one hour prior to appointment. It is important that your bladder remain full for this exam, so do not void until your exam is complete.
• It is okay to eat.

*Pylorus (Pediatric) Ultrasound

• The patient will need to begin fasting 4-6 hours before the exam.

*Infertility Study

• You will need to empty your bladder and then drink 32 ounces of water one hour prior to appointment. It is important that your bladder remain full for this exam, so do not void until your exam is complete.
• This exam should be performed between day 6th and 10th days of your menstrual cycle (from when menstrual cycle begins).

*Pelvic Echogram/Doppler

• You will need to empty your bladder and then drink 32 ounces of water one hour prior to appointment. It is important that your bladder remain full for this exam, so do not void until your exam is complete.
• If you are having a trans-abdominal study, consume 32 ounces of liquid, plus food. Non-carbonated drinks are recommended.

*Obstetrical Echogram/Doppler (14-40 weeks)

• You will need to empty your bladder and then drink 32 ounces of water two hours prior to appointment. It is important that your bladder remain full for this exam, so do not void until your exam is complete.
• If you are in the second or third trimester of your pregnancy, it is suggested you drink 16-24 ounces of water.
• If you are in the first trimester of your pregnancy, consume 32 ounces of liquid, plus food. Non-carbonated drinks are recommended.

*Obstetrical Echogram/Doppler (0-12 weeks)

• No preparation required.

3D/4D Ultrasound

• This exam can only be performed in conjunction with an obstetrical ultrasound. Patients should follow OB preparations.

Hystrosonogram (pelvic cystogram)

• This exam should be performed between day 6th and 10th days of your menstrual cycle (from when menstrual cycle begins).
• Patient must abstain from sexual intercourse from first day of menstruation until exam is complete.

Renal (kidney) Echogram

• You will need to begin complete fasting 4-6 hours prior to your exam.

Renal (kidney) artery/doppler

• You will need to begin complete fasting 8-10 hours prior to your exam.