Ultrasound

Stay Healthy with Diagnostic Ultrasound

Protect your health with diagnostic ultrasound services from Effingham Obstetrics & Gynecology in Illinois. Our practice is accredited by the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine. All of our patients receive the highest quality of care through extensive and thorough exams using state-of-the-art equipment. Ultrasound procedures are also available to meet a variety of other women's health needs.

Our Ultrasound Services

Using high-frequency sound waves, the accredited staff at our OB-GYN practice will show you your baby and how far along you are. Our AIUM accreditation ensures that our facility provides excellent patient care while meeting the nationally accepted standards in diagnostic ultrasound practices. This means we employ qualified personnel who use the most current ultrasound technology and equipment. 

Obstetrical Ultrasound
1st Trimester: 7-12 weeks for dating
2nd Trimester: Around 20 weeks for detailed evaluation of fetal anatomy
3rd Trimester: Around 32 weeks for growth assessment

Gynecologic Ultrasound
A pelvic ultrasound is a noninvasive diagnostic exam that produces images that are used to assess organs and structures within the female pelvis. A pelvic ultrasound allows quick visualization of the female pelvic organs and structures including the uterus, cervix, vagina, fallopian tubes and ovaries.  There can be two parts to your exam: The transabdominal ultrasound and the transvaginal ultrasound. An imaging wand is used for both.  Wondering why you need to come for your exam with a full bladder? We use ultrasound waves to recreate images of the internal organs deep within your pelvis. Those waves penetrate liquid or fluid much more easily than they move through air or gas. We use a full bladder like an acoustic window for the ultrasound waves to give us better images of your organs.

Thyroid, Renal & Gallbladder Ultrasound
A thyroid ultrasound may be ordered if a thyroid function test is abnormal or if you doctor feels a growth on your thyroid while examining your neck. An ultrasound can also check an underactive or overactive thyroid gland. You may receive a thyroid ultrasound as part of an overall physical exam. 

A kidney ultrasound is a noninvasive diagnostic exam that produces images, which are used to assess the size, shape, and location of the kidneys. Ultrasound may also be used to assess blood flow to the kidneys. Ultrasound uses a transducer that sends out ultrasound waves at a frequency too high to be heard.

A Gallbladder ultrasound is done and abdominally and it produces pictures of the gallbladder and bile ducts. It shows signs of inflammation or indications that there is blockage of bile flow. Ultrasound is the most common test performed to evaluate gallbladder abnormalities. You may not eat or drink anything for 8 to 10 hours before the test. If you eat, the gallbladder and ducts will empty to help digest food and will not be easily seen during the test. If your test is scheduled in the morning, we suggest that you eat nothing after midnight the night before the test is scheduled.

Sonohysterogram
This procedure begins with a transvaginal ultrasound exam that allows our medical staff to evaluate your pelvic organs. A small catheter will then be inserted into the uterus through the cervix, and a small amount of saline solution (salt water) will be injected through the catheter. The saline solution fills the uterine cavity, enabling the visualization and detection of any abnormalities.

The Latest Equipment

We have recently updated both of our ultrasound units to GE Voluson™ Expert 18 ultrasound machines, equipped with an independent monitor for your viewing comfort. This is the top-of-the-line model that GE offers in women's health care.