Capital Imaging Associates is one of only two imaging facilities in the Capital District that offers the latest 3-D Breast Ultrasound Technology.

Ultrasound, also referred to as sonography, is a medical imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce real-time visual images of the inside of the human body. Ultrasound is non-invasive and painless. It uses no X-ray radiation and is much more effective than conventional X-ray in diagnosing and evaluating many medical conditions.

• Abdominal ultrasound is used to examine abdominal organs such as gallbladder, spleen, liver, pancreas and kidneys.

• Breast ultrasound is used in conjunction with mammography to aid in diagnosing nodules, such as cysts and dense breast tissue.

• Vascular ultrasound evaluates not only the blood flow in arteries and veins but the overall anatomy and can help determine if there is disease process occurring. Carotid ultrasound is used to evaluate the narrowing of the arteries which can occur with advancing age. This type of exam may help prevent stroke. Venous ultrasound is used to evaluate if and where there is a clot in the veins of the body.

• Pelvic ultrasound is effective in the identification and diagnosis of female pelvic conditions such as ovarian cysts, fibroids, endometriosis and the evaluation of early pregnancy. In the male, it is used to determine the size and condition of the prostate gland.

• Breast Biopsy is done in the comfort of our ultrasound suite. Small samples of tissue are collected from the breast using a core biopsy instrument. The specimens collected are then sent to a pathologist to determine what the tissue is composed of. The lab faxes results directly to your physician’s office within 2-3 business days.

Experience. In 1985, we opened the first freestanding diagnostic imaging facility in the Capital Region. Capital Imaging Associates continues to provide the local medical community with the latest technical advances in ultrasound.

Our ultrasound staff is board certified by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography and is accredited by the American College of Radiology. These accreditations require continuing medical education, thus ensuring that your ultrasound is handled by experts in the field.

The power and frequencies used in diagnostic ultrasound are very safe. There are no known ill-effects for humans.

Preparation for ultrasound is varied and depends upon what type of exam is being performed. Your physician’s office will instruct you accordingly. If you have any questions regarding preparation, feel free to contact our office.

• Abdominal ultrasound: You will be asked not to eat or drink anything for at least 6 hours prior to your appointment.

• Pelvic (Trans-abdominal approach) or Bladder ultrasounds: You will be asked to drink 4 12-oz glasses of water approximately 1 hour prior to your exam and not empty your bladder until your examination is complete. If your physician has ordered a trans-vaginal pelvic ultrasound there is no preparation needed.

• Breast, Carotid, Thyroid, and Venous (legs and arms) ultrasounds: No preparation is needed.

• Breast biopsies: Preparation details are given to the patient at time of scheduling.

In the ultrasound exam suite, you will be positioned on the examination table. A small amount of warm, water-soluble gel will be placed over the area to be examined (this helps pass the sound waves into your body by eliminating air between your skin and the ultrasound’s transducer probe). You will feel light pressure as the probe is passed over your skin. During the examination, your sonographer will ask you to lay still and may ask you to hold your breath or change position to get a better look at the area of interest. Once the examination is complete, you will be given a towel to clean up. You will not experience any ill effects and may resume normal activities immediately.

We have board-certified radiologists on staff who interprets your ultrasound exam. Their goal is to have a written report available for your doctor within 24 hours of your exam. Most reports are faxed to your physician’s office upon completion of the radiologist’s dictation.