What is the difference between arrival time and exam time?
Where is California Imaging Institute located?
Can I wear jewelry during my exam?
Will I be exposed to radiation?
I am having a Pelvic ultrasound. Why do I have to drink 32 ounces of water?
I am having an Ultrasound Biopsy. Will I be sedated?
Your staff told me told bring a driver. Why?
When will my doctor contact me with my results?
How do I prepare for my exam?
Click here for preparation instructions for your ultrasound. You may also call our Scheduling Department should you have any questions about how to prepare (559.325.5800).
You need to arrive 30 minutes prior to your exam for registration and to complete any pre-exam preparation. To help save you time you also have the option of registering online.
Where is California Imaging Institute located?
Click here for directions and to create your customized driving directions.
How long will my exam take?
Exam length varies based on the type of study your physician has ordered. Some exams can take as little as 30 minutes (i.e. thyroid, kidney, DVT ultrasound for leg pain/swelling), while others may require a longer period of time (i.e. gallbladder, OB ultrasound, carotid artery). You may ask your ultrasound technologist how long your exam is expected to take. You may also call our Scheduling Department before your exam to learn more (559.325.5800).
Can I wear jewelry during my exam?
Yes. While we do provide secure lockets to store your personal items, because ultrasound does not use magnets (like an MRI), you do not have to remove any jewelry. For additional preparation instructions click here.
Why can’t I eat?
This is part of the necessary preparation if you are having an abdominal ultrasound. As food is digested it causes gas in your abdominal aera, which results in the gallbladder contracting, making it difficult for our technologists to obtain accurate images. If the technologist is unable to obtain the necessary images to perform a complete study your exam will have to be rescheduled.
Does an ultrasound hurt?
In order to obtain clear images the technologist must apply some pressure to the area of your body being imaged. Any discomfort or pain you experience is dependent upon your presonal level of pain tolerance.
Will I be exposed to radiation?
There is no radiation used in ultrasound imaging. Ultrasound uses soundy waves to obtain clinical images.
I am having a Pelvic ultrasound. Why do I have to drink 32 ounces of water?
By drinking water it fills your bladder, creating a “window” for our technologist and radiologist (a physician), to better view your pelvic area. Without drinking water the view is obstructed as the pelvic area is also where the intestines are locate. Drinking water enables our technologist to obtain the clearest image possible, helping to better guarantee you won’t have to come back for additional imaging exams.
I am having an Ultrasound Biopsy. Will I be sedated?
As ultrasound biopsies are relatively short procedures (15 minutes) that only require local anesthetic, sedation is not needed. The total exam time is scheduled for one (1) hour to allow for registration, preparation, and a personal consultation with our radiologist (a physician).
Your staff told me told bring a driver. Why?
If you were informed by our staff to bring a driver with you it is because your physician has ordered an Ultrasound Biopsy. This procedure requires a local anesthetic, and as people have different responses to medication (like anesthetic), to ensure we provide you with the most accurate and thorough care we ask all patients to bring a driver with them for the trip home.
When will my doctor contact me with my results?
After your exam is completed our technologist sends all your images to our fellowship-trained radiologists, who will interpret your study and prepare a report for your physician. Standard delivery time is 1-2 business days. The one exception are studies ordered STAT. If your exam is ordered STAT results are provided to your physician within the hour.
