Ultrasound imaging is a diagnostic medical procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of organs, tissues and blood flow inside the body.

Ultrasound can be used to examine many parts of the body, such as the abdomen, breasts, female reproductive system, prostate, heart and blood vessels and more. During pregnancy, ultrasound technology is used to study the age and location of a fetus, as well as to examine the fetus for birth defects or other potential problems. Ultrasound can even identify heart disease.

At UPMC Washington, we have a team of expertly trained and certified sonographers who perform all ultrasound examinations. After each exam, one of our board-certified radiologists will interpret the results.

UPMC Washington offers ultrasounds at the following facilities:

  • UPMC Washington Hospital
  • UPMC Greene
  • Outpatient Center – Greene County
  • Outpatient Center – Neighbor Health
  • Medical Plaza – Peters Township
  • Outpatient Center – Cecil
  • Outpatient Center – Meadows Landing (Women’s Center)

To schedule an appointment for an ultrasound, you or a referring physician can call (724) 250-4300.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, bring your prescription to the exam. Your ultrasound exam may be delayed if you do not have a prescription or your doctor has not sent one to the hospital.

The sonographer applies an odorless, colorless gel to the skin on the area of the body to be studied. This gel helps conduct sound waves from the ultrasound transducer down to the tissues. The sonographer applies the transducer to the skin, and short pulses of ultrasound waves are emitted and received. This won’t cause pain. The sonographer then electronically stores the most diagnostically useful images for the radiologist to review and interpret for a final diagnosis.

Some types of ultrasound exams require the transducer to be inserted inside the body. This is the case if your physician needs to see more clearly inside the gastrointestinal tract, vagina or blood vessels. Your provider will let you know if you need this type of ultrasound and help you feel comfortable during the exam.

  • noninvasive
  • painless
  • involves no damaging radiation exposure
  • offers a clear picture of soft tissues that do not show up well on conventional X-ray images
  • helps monitor pregnant women and their unborn babies

There are no known harmful effects from using standard diagnostic ultrasound on humans.

You may wear comfortable clothing for your exam, or you may need to change into a hospital gown for some exams. Certain ultrasound appointments require a specific preparation, so it’s best to consult your physician’s office or the scheduling department directly for more information about preparation.

One of our board-certified radiologists will analyze the images and send a report to your primary care physician and the physician who ordered the exam. This detailed report will be sent to your physician’s office within 24 to 48 hours. The physician’s office will call you, or the results will be reviewed at your next appointment.

Please call the UPMC Washington Hospital Radiology Department at (724) 223-3300.

Our Ultrasound department is accredited by the American College of Radiology, which means all equipment and techniques used meet or exceed nationally accepted quality assurance and safety guidelines.