Ultrasound & Sonography

Ultrasound at Clínica Hispana Nueva Salud Hammerly uses sound waves to look inside organs such as the liver, gallbladder, kidneys, uterus or thyroid. We do it at our Spring Branch clinic in Houston for adults with pain or symptoms that need a closer look and for pregnant women keeping track of their baby.

Which parts of the body can be checked?

• Abdomen: liver, gallbladder, pancreas and kidneys, for instance when your right side hurts after a fatty meal.
• Pelvis: uterus and ovaries in women, or the bladder, to look for cysts, fibroids or the cause of irregular bleeding.
• Pregnancy: to confirm the pregnancy is on track and follow the baby's growth.
• Neck and soft tissue: the thyroid or a lump that has appeared under the skin.

How do you prepare for each study?

Prep depends on the area. An abdominal scan usually calls for fasting so the gallbladder shows clearly and gas doesn't get in the way. A pelvic scan often needs a full bladder, so you may be asked to drink water beforehand and hold it. Thyroid and soft-tissue scans rarely need anything. When you call, tell us which scan you need and our staff will explain exactly how to come in.

What does the ultrasound feel like?

You lie on the exam table and a cool gel goes on your skin. Then a small handheld device glides over the area and sends images to the screen; at times it presses a little to get a better view, and you may be asked to hold your breath or roll to one side. There's no radiation and no needles, and when it's over you just wipe off the gel.

What happens after the images?

The clinic's medical team explains what the images show and how they fit your symptoms. Sometimes the ultrasound confirms a suspicion, like gallstones, and other times it leads to more tests. If the scan follows a positive pregnancy test or gynecological symptoms, follow-up continues in gynecology. If a finding needs more study, we guide the referral to a specialist.

Told to fast? Get to Hammerly Blvd early: our doors open at 9 AM every day.