Ultrasound

The Diagnostic Centre at the False Creek Surgical Centre offers multiple Diagnostic Ultrasound testing in areas such as General Ultrasound, Echo Cardiology, and Obstetrics.

Our Diagnostic Centre works with highly renowned Radiologists from Children’s Hospital, Women’s Health Centre of BC, Vancouver General Hospital, and St. Paul’s Hospital who perform and read all Ultrasound Scans.

What exactly is Diagnostic Ultrasound?
Ultrasound is a safe, non-invasive, virtually painless diagnostic procedure that observes soft tissue anatomy on an out-patient basis. Our Philips ultrasound system generates an advanced level of quality image to help your Physician diagnose with confidence, thus providing information needed to action the need for more complicated exams or exploratory surgery.

How does it work?
Without major side effects, it is a highly popular diagnostic method amongst patients and Physicians, allowing Physicians to diagnose without invading the body with dyes, radiation or exploratory surgery. During an exam, a Sonographer moves a transducer over the part of the body to be imaged. The transducer functions as both a loudspeaker (to create the sounds) and a microphone (to record them). High-frequency sound waves reflect off internal structures (soft, tissue, organs and blood flow), producing echoes that are processed into an image displayed on the Ultrasound system monitor.

Who interprets the results and how do I get them?
A Radiologist will analyze the images and send a report with his/her interpretation to the patient’s personal Physician.

Are there any risks?
There are no known harmful effects for standard Diagnostic Ultrasound.

How should I prepare for the procedure?
You should wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing for your exam. Other preparation depends on the type of examination you will have. For some scans, your Doctor may instruct you not to eat or drink for as many as 12 hours before your appointment. For others, you may be asked to drink up to six glasses of water two hours prior to your exam and avoid urinating, so that your bladder is full when the scan begins.

How is the procedure performed?
Depending on the type of exam, you may be instructed to lie down or sit upright on an examining table. The Sonographer will apply gel on your skin and press the transducer firmly against your body, moving it until the desired images are captured. The Sonographer sees the images on the monitor immediately. It usually takes less than 30 minutes. In some situations, your Physician may recommend a transvaginal or transrectal Ultrasound exam to image closer to the area of interest. In these exams, extremely narrow transducers are inserted into the vagina or rectum. These exams should not create any significant discomfort. In fact, the transvaginal exam may be faster, more accurate, and more comfortable overall because you will not be required to have a full bladder.

You deserve the most advanced Ultrasound, and UCC has it. Call for rapid direct access 604.628.2822