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Surface ultrasound

A surface ultrasound is used to capture images of a specific and delineated area. This examination is sometimes required to assess a non-vascular condition discovered through palpation.

Your health care professional may prescribe a surface ultrasound to evaluate:

  • An abscess
  • A hematoma
  • Edema
  • A lymph node

Examination procedure

For the examination, we will ask you to:

  • Put on a hospital gown and remove your jewelry and any metal objects that could affect the quality of the images.
  • Lie comfortably on the examination table, so that the technologist can apply an ultrasound gel to the area to be examined.
  • Remain still while the professional moves the ultrasound probe over the area.

To help you plan, please note that the total length of your visit may vary between 45 and 60 minutes.

Preparing for the Examination

No preparation is required before a surface ultrasound. However, we will ask you to avoid using body lotion and perfume, so as not to affect the quality of the images.

A medical prescription is required to perform this examination.

The costs of some of those exams are covered by the Régie de l'Assurance Maladie du Québec (RAMQ) when prescribed by a physician*.

If your health care professional has requested this test or you have any questions, feel free to contact us at 1 833 590-2715.