Official Website of PENN Radiology

Patient Services

Patient Prep & Instruction Manual

Updated May 2006

Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Department of Radiology 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104

Scheduled Test: Pelvic Ultrasound (Female)

When:_____________

Date:_____________

Time:_____________

Where:	You will report to Main Radiology Reception (ground floor/Dulles Building). Look for signs to the Radiology Reception area where you are to check in.
Purpose:	This test provides a picture of the pelvis including the uterus and ovaries. The scan is safe and most patients find it to be painless. There is no radiation involved.
Preparation:	Patients should drink 32 ounces of fluid approximately 1 hour prior to the exam. Please do not empty your bladder during this time!! Medications can be taken prior to the examination.
Procedure:	The procedure will take approximately 45 minutes but examination times can vary. After you are in the ultrasound examination room, you will be asked to change into a gown. We will then ask for a brief history including the date of your last menstrual period, use of hormone replacement or birth control, previous pregnancies and any surgeries of the pelvis. You will then be placed on a stretcher and a water-based gel will be spread over your pelvic area. This gel helps to provide us with quality images. A plastic device called a transducer will be placed over your pelvic area and moved back and forth to obtain the images necessary to answer your physician's questions. Sometimes an adequate study cannot be obtained just by scanning over your pelvic area. If this is the case, another type of pelvic ultrasound may be offered to you. It is called a transvaginal ultrasound examination and entails the following: you must empty your bladder; you will then be placed on a stretcher with stirrups similar to those in your gynecologist's office. We have a transducer specifically designed for this study. These transducers are sterilized between patients and covered with a non-latex sheath during the ultrasound examination. Most patients find the transvaginal ultrasound similar to a pelvic examination done in your gynecologist's office.
After Care:	After the test, you may resume all normal activities. Your attending physician will discuss the results of your ultrasound examination with you. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact one of our technologists at (215) 662-3123.

For questions or comments regarding this web site, please email radweb@uphs.upenn.edu
Website Designed and maintained by Andrea Kaldrovics
Last Updated:12/20/06 ALK