Women's Health
Ultrasound
Ultrasound has become a widely accepted adjunct to routine obstetrical and gynecological care. It is invaluable in prenatal diagnosis associated with high risk maternal fetal care. Our department offers routine and targeted obstetrical and gynecological ultrasound as well as specialized genetic ultrasound exams. Other prenatal diagnostic studies performed in our division include Amniocentesis, Chorionic Villus Sampling, Periumbilical Blood Sampling, and many Fetal Therapy procedures.
The Ultrasound Unit of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology is accredited by the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine. This accreditation is evidence of high standards of competency of ultrasound interpreting physicians, sonographers, and equipment used in performing the latest ultrasound techniques.
Accredited physicians interpreting ultrasound exams have met strict criteria for training and performing these studies. They must also have provided documentation of extensive continuing education specific to the field of ultrasound in the specialty in which they practice.
The Sonographers who perform ultrasound studies in the Department of Ob/Gyn are all certified by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in the specialty area of obstetrics and gynecology and bring experiece ranging from 5-20 years to our division. They are also certified in various other specialty areas such as abdomen, neurosonology, and pediatric echocardiography. This certification is required of all those performing ultrasound exams in an accredited facility.
Our Ultrasound Unit is equipped with four state-of-the-art Acuson computed sonography systems. We offer imaging modalities in 2-D, Pulsed Doppler, Color Doppler Imaging, Color Doppler Energy and High-resolution Transvaginal Imaging. Image and data storage, and report generation is accomplished with Acuson's KinetDX Reporting System. This system allows images, patient data, and patient documents to be stored digitally which permits excellent long term archival quality of this information.
Examples of Ultrasound Images
In late 2003, the Ultrasound Division expanded to include a Mobile Ultrasound Service to better meet the needs of our referral patients. Currently the Mobile Ultrasound Service travels to the Pitt County Health Department and Carolina Women's Physicians. The patients at these facilities may now have their ultrasound exams coordinated with their regular doctor's visit.
