General Ultrasound Explained: What It Checks, How to Prepare, and What Your Results Mean
When your doctor says you need an ultrasound, you probably have a few questions. What does the exam actually check? Do you need to fast? What will the results look like, and what do they mean? This guide walks through what a general ultrasound examines, the range of body parts and organs it can evaluate, how to prepare, what happens during the ultrasound procedure, and how to read your general ultrasound results. Ultrasound is one of the safest, most versatile tools in modern medicine, and same-day appointments are available at Urgent Diagnostic Imaging Center in Glendale.
What Is a General Ultrasound?
A general ultrasound (also called sonography or ultrasound imaging) is a safe, painless diagnostic ultrasound that uses high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images of the inside of your body. Your sonographer applies warm ultrasound gel to your skin and moves a small handheld transducer across the area being studied. The sound waves bounce off your internal organs and return echoes that the machine turns into moving pictures on a screen. There is no radiation, no needles, and no recovery time.
What Body Parts and Organs Can an Ultrasound Check?
So what organs can an ultrasound check, and what body parts can be examined by ultrasound? Ultrasound is used for a wide range of areas throughout the body, from abdominal organs to soft tissues just beneath the skin.
Abdominal Organs
An abdominal general ultrasound scan evaluates the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, and abdominal aorta. It is often ordered for abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, jaundice, or suspected gallstones.
Urinary System
A renal or bladder ultrasound examines the kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, and prostate. It is used to look for kidney stones, bladder obstruction, prostate enlargement, and cysts or masses in the urinary tract.
Pelvic and Reproductive Organs
A pelvic ultrasound looks at the uterus and ovaries in women, and a scrotal ultrasound evaluates the testicles in men. A breast ultrasound examines breast tissue and is especially useful for evaluating lumps or for follow-up in women with dense breast tissue. Transvaginal ultrasound offers a closer view of the uterus and ovaries when needed.
Neck and Soft Tissue
A thyroid ultrasound examines the thyroid gland for nodules or enlargement. A soft tissue ultrasound looks at lumps, swelling, and fluid collections just under the skin anywhere on the body.
What Can an Ultrasound Detect?
So what can an ultrasound detect? A single general ultrasound test can identify or help rule out many common conditions.
Kidney stones and gallstones
Cysts, nodules, and solid masses
Fluid collections and abscesses
Signs of inflammation and infection
Liver, gallbladder, and pancreas disease
Uterine fibroids and ovarian cysts
Prostate enlargement and abnormalities
Testicular pain, swelling, or torsion
Pregnancy progression and fetal development
Blood flow problems in arteries and veins
Enlarged organs and signs of internal bleeding
Can ultrasound detect tumors or cancer? It can identify masses and abnormal areas that may need further evaluation. However, ultrasound alone cannot definitively diagnose cancer. Any suspicious finding is typically followed by additional imaging, such as MRI or CT, or a biopsy for a diagnosis.
General Ultrasound Uses: When Doctors Order One
What is ultrasound used for? Beyond specific organ checks, physicians order a general ultrasound as a first-line test in many situations. Common general ultrasound uses include:
Investigating unexplained abdominal, pelvic, or scrotal pain
Evaluating a palpable lump
Following up on abnormal lab results (elevated liver enzymes, elevated creatinine, PSA changes)
Monitoring pregnancy
Guiding needle placement for biopsies or fluid drainage
Screening for aneurysms
Assessing organ transplants
Because ultrasound uses sound waves rather than radiation, it is safe to repeat as often as needed, which makes it ideal for monitoring conditions over time.
How to Prepare for Your Ultrasound
General ultrasound preparation depends on the type of scan you are scheduled for. Here is how to prepare for an ultrasound by exam type.
Abdominal or gallbladder ultrasound: Fast for 6 to 8 hours beforehand. Water and necessary medications are usually fine. Do you need to fast before an ultrasound? Yes for these exams, because food and drink can block the view of abdominal organs.
Pelvic or bladder ultrasound: Drink about 32 ounces of water an hour before your appointment and avoid emptying your bladder. Why do you need a full bladder for an ultrasound? A full bladder pushes the intestines out of the way and creates a clear window for the sound waves to reach the uterus, ovaries, or bladder.
Transvaginal, thyroid, breast, soft tissue, or scrotal ultrasound: No special preparation is required.
Obstetric ultrasound: A full bladder is helpful for early pregnancy scans.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing that gives easy access to the area being examined. Bring your insurance card, photo ID, list of current medications, and any prior imaging on CD or in a patient portal.
What Happens During the Ultrasound Procedure
Here is what happens during an ultrasound, step by step.
Check in and change. You may be asked to change into a gown depending on the area being examined.
Positioning. You lie on the exam table in whatever position best exposes the body part being studied.
Warm ultrasound gel is applied to your skin so the sound waves can travel from the probe into your body.
The scan. Your sonographer moves the transducer across the area to capture images from several angles. You may be asked to hold your breath briefly or change position.
Wrap-up. The gel is wiped off, and you can get dressed and go about your day.
There is no pinching, no radiation, and no recovery time.
How Long Does an Ultrasound Take?
How long does an ultrasound take? Most general ultrasound exams take 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the type of scan and how many areas are being examined. You can return to normal activity immediately afterward.
What Does a General Ultrasound Show, and How to Read Your Results
So what does an ultrasound show? The images are shades of black, white, and gray that represent how sound waves reflect off different tissues. Fluid appears black, dense tissue appears lighter. Your sonographer captures still images and short video clips during the exam, and a board-certified radiologist reviews them and writes a report.
How to read ultrasound results: your report will describe the size, shape, and appearance of the organs examined, and note any abnormal findings. Common terms include:
Normal. Nothing abnormal seen. What does a normal ultrasound mean? It means the images did not show anything outside the expected range. It does not always rule out every condition; some issues may require different imaging.
Cyst. A fluid-filled sac, usually benign.
Solid mass. A lump that may need further evaluation.
Nodule. A small growth, often benign but sometimes requiring follow-up.
Not well visualized. The radiologist could not see an area clearly, often due to bowel gas, body habitus, or an incomplete prep. A repeat or different exam may be recommended.
At our clinic, preliminary general ultrasound results are available at exam completion, final reports are faxed to your referring physician the same day, and STAT reports are delivered within one hour when time matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ultrasound safe?
Yes. Ultrasound uses sound waves rather than ionizing radiation. It is safe for infants, children, and pregnant patients, and it can be repeated as often as needed.
Can an ultrasound detect cancer?
Ultrasound can identify masses and abnormal areas that suggest cancer, but a definitive diagnosis usually requires additional imaging (MRI or CT) or a biopsy. Ultrasound is often the first test that raises the question.
Can an ultrasound detect inflammation or infection?
Yes. Ultrasound can show signs of inflammation, fluid collections, and abscesses. It is often the first imaging ordered for suspected appendicitis, gallbladder inflammation, or a soft-tissue abscess.
Can an ultrasound detect kidney stones and gallstones?
Yes. Kidney stones and gallstones show up well on ultrasound. It is often the first imaging test ordered for suspected stones because it uses no radiation.
What does "not well visualized" mean on an ultrasound report?
It means the radiologist could not see an area clearly. Common reasons include bowel gas, body size, an incomplete prep (not fasting or not enough water), or unusual anatomy. Your provider may order a repeat ultrasound or a different type of imaging to get the answer.
Why do I need a full bladder for some ultrasound examinations?
A full bladder pushes the intestines out of the way and creates a clear window through which the sound waves can reach the uterus, ovaries, or lower urinary tract. This is why pelvic and early obstetric exams require you to drink water beforehand.
Why do I need to fast before my scan?
Fasting empties the stomach and reduces bowel gas, which can block the view of abdominal organs like the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. Water and necessary medications are usually still allowed.
Same-Day General Ultrasound at Urgent Diagnostic Imaging Center in Glendale
If you need a same-day diagnostic ultrasound in Glendale, our team at Urgent Diagnostic Imaging Center accepts walk-ins during business hours (Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 8 PM, and weekends, 9 AM to 5 PM). Our ARDMS-licensed sonographers and board-certified radiologists deliver preliminary reports at exam completion and same-day finals for your physician.
To see our full range of diagnostic imaging services, including vascular studies, echocardiogram, X-ray, and 3D breast ABUS, visit our services page. Ready to schedule a general ultrasound? Call (818) 240-7744, book online, or walk into 1030 S. Glendale Ave, Suite 405, Glendale CA 91205.