Patient Instructions - Breast Ultrasound

Ultrasound is a safe and painless test that uses sound waves to see the tissue inside the breast. Ultrasound does not use X-ray or radiation. Ultrasound can help obtain more information about a lump felt by you or your physician, or it can give more information about a possible mass found on a mammogram or MRI.

Before your procedure

• You may eat normally. No special preparation is required.

During your procedure

• A specialty trained technologist will perform your breast ultrasound.

• You will be asked to lie on your back, on an exam table, with one arm rested above your head.

• Warm gel will be put on the breast. The gel helps sound waves to travel from the machine into your breast.

• A small camera-like device, called a transducer, will be moved over your skin and pictures will be taken of the inside of your breast.

• The ultrasound will take about 1 hour.

After your procedure

• A radiologist, who is an imaging physician, will review the images.

• The results will be discussed with you after the exam and sent to your physician.

• You may resume your normal activities.

Providing safe, quality patient care is our highest priority. To help ensure quality and safety, we ask that you do not bring young children with you to your appointments, as children are not allowed to accompany you during Imaging procedures. Staff is unable to monitor your child in your absence.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your provider.