An ultrasound is a device that releases high frequency sound waves that
echo around the body’s internal structures and create a live-video
feed of the area on a nearby monitor.
The St. John’s diagnostic imaging department has three ultrasound
units, and our sonographers are registered by the American Registry for
Diagnostic Medical Sonography, a not-for-profit institution that evaluates
a sonographers training and proficiency.
Our ultrasound services are used for cardiac, vascular, OB/GYN, abdominal,
and small parts imaging. Below we overview some of our more specialized services.
Cardiac Testing (Echocardiography)
Cardiac ultrasounds are called echocardiograms. An echocardiogram is an
imaging technique where soundwaves are emitted in the chest to view the
heart. With live footage of the heart, doctors can examine how well it
is functioning and if it is pumping and adequate amount of blood through
the body. Echocardiograms are often done after a cardiac event to diagnose
the cause of evaluate damage from a heart attack.
There is special kind of echocardiogram called a stress echocardiogram
or stress test. Unlike a standard cardiac ultrasound, stress tests require
patients to exercise while hooked up to machines that measure their blood
pressure and heart rate. In most tests, patients have electrodes attached
to their chest that connect to an electrocardiograph (ECG). Doctors monitor
live footage while the patient runs on a treadmill or rides a stationary
bike to assess how the heart responds to exercise. This is a useful test
for determining your overall cardiac condition.
Pediatric Cardiology Consultation Clinic
St John’s partners with the Primary Children’s Health in Salt
Lake City, UT to offer quarterly pediatric echocardiograms from trained
specialists. Though rare, children are susceptible to heart conditions,
and these medical professionals are specially trained to administer echocardiograms
to children. The procedure is completely harmless and can help to diagnose:
Irregular heart rhythm
Enlarged hearts
Chest pains
Congenital heart conditions
Aneurysm
Heart failure
Breast Imaging
St. John’s breast ultrasound services are accredited by the American
College of Radiology (ACR) , a recognition awarded to imaging services
maintaining the highest quality and safety standards. Breast ultrasounds
are invaluable tools in the fight against breast cancer. In addition to
using the images to examine abnormalities on the breast, doctors can also
orchestrate minimally invasive biopsies to extract tissue samples by guiding
the procedure through an ultrasound live-feed. Learn more about breast
ultrasounds on our
Women’s Imaging Center page.
Obstetrical Imaging
Ultrasounds are best known for their obstetrical services, which allows
doctors to view a developing fetus. While an exciting moment for expectant
parents, the exam lets doctors make sure things are proceeding smoothly
and there are no complications that require immediate attention.
Obstetric imaging includes:
First Trimester Nuchal Translucency Screening (NT Test) – The NT test is used to view a fetus’s developing neck. The way this
area develops informs doctors on the infant’s chances of developing
conditions like Down syndrome or a heart condition.
Fetal Growth Assessment – This test tracks the growth of your baby so that parents and doctors can
work together to take action when growth is ahead of or behind expected
parameters.
Perinatology Specialists – Perinatology is the study of obstetric medicine during childbirth. On a
bi-monthly basis, St. John’s is visited by perinatology specialists
from the University of Utah. Expectant parents looking to consult with
an experienced perinatologist are encouraged to schedule an appointment
for this service.
Pregnancy is an exciting time, and at St John’s, we are thrilled
so many parents allow us the privilege seeing them along to delivery.
At our clinic, patients and staff work together to make sure babies come
out happy and healthy!
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