CRL Imaging

Comfort. Consultation. Care.

CRL Imaging delivers quality outpatient radiology services in three convenient locations. We collaborate with referring physicians to provide timely patient diagnoses, appropriate interventions and innovative treatments. The CRL Imaging centers in Edina, Plymouth, and Southdale offer an array of imaging services such as MRI,
CT scans, mammography, general x-ray, ultrasound, bone density scans, fluoroscopy, nuclear medicine, and
pain management injections.

 

 

CRL Imaging offers same-day appointments, a comfortable environment and quality staff that will take care of your needs. Contact us to find out more about your appointment.

 

Ultrasound

 

Edina Plymouth Southdale Services CRL Physicians For Patients

Seeing Inside

In addition to the well-known use of ultrasound for expectant parents to see their unborn child, ultrasound imaging is used extensively for examining many of the body’s internal organs. It can be used to evaluate the pelvic and abdominal organs, heart and blood vessels.

Because ultrasound images are captured in real time, they can show movement of internal tissues and organs and enable physicians to see blood flow and heart valve functions.

For cardiac patients, this can help to diagnose a variety of heart conditions and to assess damage after a heart attack or other illness. In other cases, ultrasound is now being used to image the breasts and as a guide during biopsies. Ultrasound is also used to evaluate superficial structures such as the thyroid gland and scrotum (testicles).

At CRL Imaging, our team of professionals perform ultrasound procedures to provide the best imaging possible and suggest appropriate treatments, allowing people to heal with greater comfort, better results and fewer complications. A physician’s referral is required.

About the Procedure

Ultrasound imaging, also called ultrasound scanning or sonography, is a method of obtaining images from inside the human body through the use of high-frequency sound waves. It is a popular diagnostic technique that has been used for many years. A small probe, called a transducer, is held to the skin as it sends out sound waves. These sound waves travel through the body and are reflected by internal organs back to the transducer and a computer to produce an image on the monitor screen. You cannot hear or feel these sound waves.

The main advantage of ultrasound is that certain structures can be observed without using radiation.

Preparation

You should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for your ultrasound exam. Other preparation depends on the type of examination you will have.

• Abdominal and Abdominal Aorta Ultrasound

No food or drink after 12 a.m. (midnight) prior to the exam. Early morning appointments are desired to encourage patient preparation and good patient care. Medication may be taken with only a small amount of water if necessary. (If the appointment is scheduled in the afternoon no food or drink 8 hours prior to exam.)

• Renal/Bladder Ultrasound

Do not void (empty bladder) one hour before the scheduled exam.

• Follicle Study

No preparation is necessary.

• Venous

No preparation is necessary.

• Thyroid

No preparation is necessary.

• Scrotum/Testicular

No preparation is necessary.

• Carotid

No preparation is necessary.

• Pelvic Ultrasound

You will need to drink at least 32 ounces of water one full hour before the exam. Do not urinate until after your procedure is finished or the technologist informs you to do so.

• OB Ultrasound

You will need to drink 24 to 32 ounces of water one full hour before the exam. Do not urinate until after your procedure is finished or the technologist informs you to do so.

• Breast

No preparation is necessary. Previous breast images (eg: mammogram, MRI or ultrasound), if available, should be sent prior to your scheduled appointment to the CRL Imaging Center where your procedure will be done.

During the Exam

You may be asked to put on a gown and remove certain jewelry depending upon the type of ultrasound that will be done. Your exam will take about 30 minutes.

You will be positioned on an examination table, and the ultrasound technologist will apply a clear gel to the area to be imaged. The gel improves the transmission of ultrasound waves. The technologist will then press the transducer against the skin and move it back and forth to image the area of interest.

During a Pelvic Ultrasound

A pelvic ultrasound is usually a two-part exam. In the first part, transabdominal images are obtained by scanning over the skin through the distended bladder. This portion of the exam gives an overview of the pelvic area, uterus and ovaries. The technologist will then have you empty your bladder completely. The second part of the exam is a transvaginal scan. A transducer made to fit into the vagina will be inserted about 2 inches. This gives an up-close detailed look at the uterus and ovaries. Most patients feel no discomfort. This portion of the exam takes only a few minutes.

After the Procedure

After the procedure you may return to normal diet and activities.

Follow-up

A board certified Radiologist from CRL Imaging will interpret the scan and relate a written report of the information to your referring physician within 24 hours. Anything needing immediate attention will be called to the referring physician the day of the exam.