An ultrasound scan (also called sonography) is a diagnostic medical examination that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of organs, tissues or blood flow inside the body. The high-frequency sound waves are transmitted to the area of interest and the returning echoes are recorded. Ultrasound is non-invasive and involves no radiation. Diagnostic ultrasound can be used to examine many parts of the body, such as the abdomen, breasts, female reproductive system (including pregnancy ultrasound), the prostate, the heart, blood vessels and more. In addition, diagnostic ultrasound is utilized during image guided biopsies and selected interventional procedures.
Location, Hours and Contact
General site 4001 Leslie St, North York, ON M2K 1E1
Hours Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Outpatient and Community Services Centre 2 Champagne Dr, North York, ON M3J 3H7
Hours Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Contact Tel: 416-756-6176 Fax: 416-756-6370
Preparation for Ultrasound Examinations
Abdomen No eating 6 hours prior to examination. May have water.
Children:
Under 3 years: No preparation
3-6 years: NPO 1-2hrs
6-12 years: NPO 5hrs
Abdomen & Pelvic No eating 6hrs prior to test and drink 500mL of water, 1hr before exam (do not empty bladder).
Pelvic/Obstetric
Dating: For an ultrasound to assess gestational age or due date, please drink 500mL of water 1hr before your exam time (do not empty bladder).
Anatomy (18-20 weeks): No prep.
Pelvic Drink 500mL of water 1hr before exam (do not empty bladder).
Testicular/ Transrectal No Preparation.
Doppler No Preparation.
Thyroid No Preparation.
You may still take prescribed medications on the day of the exam, unless instructed otherwise.
Arrive at the hospital one hour before your appointment. You can expect to be at NYGH for your procedure for 2-3 hours.
Check in at Medical Imaging, Registration A on the first floor.
A sonographer will ask you to lie or sit on a table with the area that is being examined exposed. You may be asked to change into a hospital gown depending on the area of interest.
A small amount of water-soluble gel is put on your skin where you will be examined. A transducer is placed against the skin and moved across the area. The sonographer may tell you to hold your breath or position you in a certain way during the procedure to get different images.
After the scan is done, you can wipe off any remaining gel.
For transvaginal or transrectal exams, the ultrasound probe is covered with a disposable sheath before insertion.
You can return to normal activities and diet immediately after the test. The results of your ultrasound will be sent to your physician within five to seven business days. Your physician will review the test results with you.
Your report can also be accessed through MyChart and PocketHealth two weeks after your test.
