What is a Thyroid Ultrasound?
A thyroid ultrasound is a diagnostic exam using high frequency sound waves to study the thyroid. Ultrasound is safe and does not involve the use of any injections or radiation.
How is the examination performed?
An Ultrasound Technologist will perform your examination and can answer any questions you may have. A thyroid ultrasound is done by placing a small amount of warm ultrasound gel on your neck and by pressing a small probe or transducer over the area to be imaged.
Who is a candidate for a Thyroid Ultrasound?
A thyroid ultrasound can sometimes be ordered for patients that have had abnormal thyroid lab work, have had a lump felt on their thyroid, or has been experiencing any of the symptoms of hyper or hypothyroidism such as fatigue, unexplained weight loss or gain, and many more.
Will I need to prepare for the exam?
No, there isn’t any preparation for this exam. Please do not wear any jewelry around your neck for this study.
What will I experience?
You will be asked to lie down on your back. The Technologist will place some warm gel on you and begin pressing the transducer or probe into your neck. A series of images will be taken that last about 30 minutes.
What happens next?
The technologist will give you a towel to wipe off the gel and you are done. Your images will be analyzed by the Technologist and sent to the Radiologist’s computer for interpretation.
The Radiologist, a State of New Mexico licensed and board certified Physician, specialized in radiology interpretation will read your images. A report will be recorded and transcribed then sent to your Physician who will explain the results to you.