Ultrasound Imaging
We offer the latest ultrasound imaging technology to diagnose a range of conditions safely and accurately. You may obtain your ultrasound exam at convenient imaging locations throughout the Sacramento region.
Medically reviewed by John McGahan, M.D. on April 01, 2024.
Advanced Ultrasound Imaging for a Clear Diagnosis
At UC Davis Health, you’ll find state-of-the-art ultrasound imaging and the expertise of a skilled team. Ultrasound is considered very safe, even for a fetus, as it uses no radiation.
Diagnostic radiologists (imaging specialists) and experienced ultrasound technologists work together to perform and interpret your scans. In fact, we require all of our technologists to maintain certification through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
In addition, our imaging facilities are accredited for ultrasound through the American College of Radiology (ACR). ACR designation means we meet the highest standards for patient safety and quality.
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What Is an Ultrasound?
An ultrasound is a type of imaging exam that uses sound waves to make detailed pictures of structures inside your body. Ultrasounds are noninvasive, meaning they don’t require any cuts or needle sticks in your skin. Ultrasound is also called sonography.
We often use ultrasounds to diagnose problems with soft tissues or blood vessels. Ultrasound imaging can also help treat certain conditions and guide procedures for better accuracy.
Unlike some other types of imaging exams, such as X-rays and CT scans, ultrasound does not produce ionizing radiation. The test is very safe and is preferred for some people, such as pregnant women, to reduce radiation exposure.
As the Sacramento region’s only academic health center, UC Davis Health’s Department of Radiology is home to top radiologists. They work alongside experts in primary care and other specialties including orthopedics, cardiology, hepatology, obstetrics and gynecology (OB-GYN) and others. Our collaborative approach ensures you receive the right imaging test or treatment for your needs and the most accurate results possible.
Types of Ultrasound
There are many types of ultrasounds that may be used for monitoring, diagnosis and treatment. The most common include:
Pregnancy Ultrasound
A pregnancy ultrasound (prenatal ultrasound) allows us to check the health of your baby while it is developing in your womb. The test helps us detect problems, such as birth defects, and the growth and well-being of your unborn baby. Most women start having pregnancy ultrasounds in the first trimester of their pregnancy.
Diagnostic Ultrasound
We use diagnostic ultrasounds to evaluate problems in organs, soft tissues and blood vessels. For example, a vascular ultrasound helps us diagnose conditions such as blood clots or carotid artery disease. Ultrasound may be used to evaluate the male and female reproductive organs. It also may be used to diagnose disease in other areas of your body such as your thyroid, liver or kidneys.
Ultrasound-Guided Procedures
Ultrasound can also help us treat certain conditions with enhanced precision and accuracy. We may use ultrasound to guide a needle if we need to take a sample of fluid for a biopsy. Other ultrasound-guided procedures include draining fluid from your body or giving injections of medicine.
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What To Expect During Your Ultrasound Exam
An ultrasound is a quick, usually painless procedure done in a hospital or one of our outpatient clinics. For most ultrasounds, you won’t need any kind of sedation. If you’re having an ultrasound as part of a biopsy or treatment procedure, your care team will let you know what to expect.
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Before Your Ultrasound
Many ultrasound exams don’t require any special preparation. However, you may need to fast (not eat or drink) for four to six hours before an abdominal ultrasound. Fasting minimizes gas and improves ultrasound image quality. If you’re having an ultrasound of your urinary tract, you may need to drink water before your exam. A full bladder helps us check the function or your urinary organs.
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During Your Ultrasound
We apply a water-based ultrasound gel to your skin over the area to be examined. The gel helps the ultrasound probe, or transducer, make good contact with your skin and produce the best possible images. The transducer gives off sound waves that bounce off organs in your body. The sounds waves that bounce back (echoes) are sent to a computer that creates detailed images of your organs. You will not actually be able to hear these sound waves as they create the image.
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After Your Ultrasound
Most people don’t need any recovery time after their ultrasound exam and can return to their normal activities. Some people have mild skin irritation from ultrasound gel, but this isn’t common. Tell your provider if you experience any pain or other side effects after your exam.
Awards and Recognitions
Ranked among the nation’s best hospitals
A U.S. News & World Report best hospital in cancer, cardiology, heart & vascular surgery, diabetes & endocrinology, ENT, geriatrics, neurology & neurosurgery, orthopedics, and pulmonology & lung surgery.
Ranked among the nation’s best children’s hospitals
U.S. News & World Report ranked UC Davis Children’s Hospital among the best in neonatology, nephrology, orthopedics*, pediatric & adolescent behavioral health, and pulmonology & lung surgery. (*Together with Shriners Children’s Northern California)
Ranked Sacramento’s #1 hospital
Ranked Sacramento’s #1 hospital by U.S. News, and high-performing in back surgery, COPD, colon cancer surgery, gynecological cancer surgery, heart attack, heart failure, hip fracture, kidney failure, leukemia, lymphoma & myeloma, lung cancer surgery, pneumonia, prostate cancer surgery, stroke, TAVR, and gastroenterology & GI surgery.
The nation’s highest nursing honor
UC Davis Medical Center has received Magnet® recognition, the nation’s highest honor for nursing excellence.
World-class cancer care
One of ~56 U.S. cancer centers designated “comprehensive” by the National Cancer Institute.
A leader in health care equality
For the 13th consecutive year, UC Davis Medical Center has been recognized as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader by the educational arm of America’s largest civil rights organization.