Ultrasound

Ultrasound is a medical imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves. With no ionizing radiation, it provides real-time images of various organs and soft tissues throughout the body. At the Radiologie Dix30 clinic, located in Brossard on Montreal’s South Shore, most exams are performed by independent ultrasound technologists and then interpreted by a radiologist. This exam is covered by the RAMQ. 

What is an ultrasound ?

Ultrasound differs from conventional radiology. It does not use radiation to produce images. Instead, it uses high-frequency sound waves.

The transducer emits an ultrasound beam toward the area being assessed. The beam travels through the body’s various tissues. Part of the wave bounces back like an echo, with an intensity that depends in part on the characteristics of the tissue it passes through. These echoes are captured by the transducer and converted into real-time images by a computer system.

At Radiologie Dix30, most exams are performed by independent ultrasound technologists. Within their scope of practice, technologists conduct the exam, operate the transducer, and acquire the required images, adapting the views to the area being examined and the clinical information provided. The radiologist then analyzes the images, considers them in light of the relevant medical information, and prepares a report for the referring physician.

Like any imaging exam, ultrasound has strengths and limitations. Ultrasound waves cannot travel through bone and do not travel well through air. This limits the usefulness of ultrasound for assessing bone lesions or air-filled organs such as the lungs. However, it is highly effective in many other situations.

Ultrasound can be used to examine:

• Solid abdominal organs, such as the liver, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, and urinary tract;

• The prostate, to assess its volume and detect potential abnormalities;

• Gynecological structures, such as the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes;

• Soft tissues and superficial structures, such as the thyroid, salivary glands, lymph nodes, and abdominal wall;

• Musculoskeletal structures, such as the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, and ankle.

During the exam, the technologist may use Doppler imaging when indicated. This feature provides images of blood vessels and evaluates blood flow in the structures being examined. It is particularly useful for analyzing blood flow to an organ or circulation in a vein or artery. The Doppler images are then interpreted by the radiologist along with the rest of the exam.

Please note that we do not perform breast ultrasounds.

Why have an ultrasound ?

Your physician may prescribe an ultrasound to screen for or monitor certain abnormalities or diseases, or as part of pregnancy monitoring. The indications vary depending on the structure being examined.

This exam is particularly indicated in the following situations:

• Abdominal pain or digestive problems, such as bloating, changes in bowel movements, or suspected gallstones;

• Pain or urinary problems, such as recurrent urinary tract infections or suspected kidney stones;

• Gynecological symptoms, such as pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, or pregnancy monitoring;

• A palpable nodule or swelling, particularly in the thyroid, salivary glands, or lymph nodes;

• Musculoskeletal pain or injuries following a sprain, fall, or repetitive motion;

• Signs of a vascular abnormality, such as arteritis or phlebitis, assessed using Doppler imaging.

Ultrasound can also complement other imaging exams when additional details are needed to guide the diagnosis.

How should you prepare for an ultrasound ?

Preparation depends on the area being examined: 

• Abdominal ultrasound: fasting for 6 hours before the exam is generally required to reduce intestinal gas and improve image quality;

• Pelvic ultrasound: drink plenty of water before the exam and do not urinate so that you arrive with a full bladder, which serves as an acoustic window for viewing gynecological structures or the prostate;

• Musculoskeletal ultrasound: no special preparation is required.

Our team will provide you with specific instructions when you schedule your appointment, based on the prescribed exam.

We also recommend wearing loose-fitting clothing to make it easier to access the area being examined and removing any jewellery, if applicable. You generally will not need to undress. However, you may be offered a gown.

On the day of the exam, remember to bring your medical prescription, valid health insurance card, and previous imaging exams. Your prior X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRIs can help the radiologist compare changes in an abnormality over time or better guide their interpretation.

How do you schedule an ultrasound in Montreal ?

Ultrasounds are performed at the Radiologie Dix30 clinic in Brossard by appointment only. You can send your prescription by fax to 450-904-0405 or by email to info@radiologiedix30.com. Our team will schedule your appointment based on availability.

The clinic is open 365 days a year, Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

What can you expect during an ultrasound at Radiologie Dix30 ?

Ultrasounds are performed at our Radiologie Dix30 centre in Brossard, on Montreal’s South Shore. Plan to arrive 15 minutes before your appointment to check in at reception and have your file created if this is your first visit.

Most exams are performed by independent ultrasound technologists. These professionals have the training required to conduct the exam and acquire images within their scope of practice. The radiologist then participates in the diagnostic process by interpreting the images and preparing the report. The procedure may vary depending on the type of exam or clinical needs.

Here is what you can generally expect during the exam:

• Reception and registration: our team checks your health insurance card and prescription. You may be asked to complete a medical questionnaire to provide the healthcare professionals with relevant information about your health;

• Positioning: the technologist helps position you on the examination table as appropriate for the area being assessed. You may be offered a gown if necessary;

• Image acquisition: the technologist applies conductive gel to your skin and then moves the transducer over the area being examined. They capture the various views required within their scope of practice and may ask you to change positions or briefly hold your breath;

• Interpretation: after the images have been acquired, the radiologist reviews them along with the relevant clinical information, then prepares a report for the referring physician;

• Duration: the exam takes approximately 15 minutes. The duration may vary depending on the area being examined and the images required. Allow a little extra time for the entire visit;

• Returning to your activities: you can generally resume your normal activities immediately. No special precautions are usually required after a diagnostic ultrasound.

The technologist cannot provide a diagnostic interpretation. The official results are determined by the radiologist and sent to the referring physician in a report.

Cost of an ultrasound

Ultrasound exams are covered by the RAMQ. There are no fees to pay. You must present your valid health insurance card on the day of the exam.

Results

The images acquired by the technologist are interpreted by the radiologist. The radiologist prepares a detailed report, which is usually sent to your referring physician within 2 to 5 days. This timeline may vary depending on clinical and operational circumstances. Your physician can then explain the results to you in their clinical context.

The information presented on this page is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for advice from a healthcare professional.