Thyroid Ultrasound

A thyroid ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves to examine the thyroid gland, a small endocrine gland that lies at the front of your neck below the “Adam’s apple.” This exam can assess the size and shape of this gland to help your doctor discover any alteration in its function.

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR MY EXAM?

• Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment to allow enough time to check in with reception.
• Bring photo identification, your provincial health card, and your requisition.
• Take all prescribed medications as directed.
• Wear comfortable clothes.
• Please do not bring children who require supervision.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING MY EXAM?

• You will be asked to lie on your back with a small pillow beneath your shoulders and neck.
• A warm, non-scented, hypo-allergenic ultrasound gel will be applied to your neck.
• The sonographer will move the transducer around your neck and assess your thyroid for nodules or cysts which commonly occur in the thyroid gland.
• You will be asked a few questions about your thyroid to assist the radiologist in providing a comprehensive report to your physician.
• You may experience mild to moderate pressure while the sonographer takes the images.
• The radiologist may come into the scan room after your exam to speak to you about your results. You will then be free to leave.

WHEN WILL I GET MY RESULTS?

We do our best to have our radiologists interpret the information and forward the results to your doctor by the next business day. Please consult with your doctor regarding your results and any follow up exams or questions.

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?

This exam is covered under the Alberta and Saskatchewan Health Care Plans.