Ultrasounds

Ultrasound is a safe, completely non-invasive way to view real-time images of your organs, blood vessels, tissues, and other structures of the body.

At Grand Forks Clinic, we offer on-site diagnostic services, including at our Fargo, North Dakota, location. Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images of organs, blood vessels, tissues, and other body structures without using ionizing radiation. Our diagnostic ultrasound services include thyroid and neck imaging, vascular Doppler studies, and soft-tissue and musculoskeletal examinations.

Ultrasound services are available by appointment at Grand Forks Clinic’s Fargo location at 5120 Prosperity Way, Suite 108, Fargo, ND 58104. Call (701) 775-5800 or request an appointment online to schedule an ultrasound.

An ultrasound, sometimes called a sonogram, uses high-frequency sound waves to create real-time, detailed pictures of your internal organs. 

During the exam, a small handheld device called a transducer sends sound waves into the body and listens for the returning echoes. Advanced software transforms those sound waves into clear, live video images. 

Unlike X-rays or CT scans, ultrasound involves zero ionizing radiation, making it one of the safest diagnostic tools available for patients of all ages, including pregnant women.

Ultrasound is often recommended when your provider needs a closer look at specific organs, blood vessels, or soft tissues. Depending on your symptoms, it can help evaluate:

• Unexplained Pain or Digestive Symptoms: Ultrasound can help identify gallstones, kidney stones, liver abnormalities, fluid buildup, or other conditions affecting the abdominal organs.
• Abnormal Bleeding or Reproductive Symptoms: Ultrasound can help detect structural causes of severe pelvic pain, heavy or irregular menstruation, ovarian cysts, and uterine fibroids.
• Circulatory & Vascular Issues: Doppler ultrasound uses specialized technology to detect deep vein thrombosis (DVT/blood clots), arterial narrowing, or impaired venous circulation.
• Unclear Masses or Swelling: Ultrasound can help determine whether a lump is fluid-filled or solid and evaluate cysts, swollen lymph nodes, or other soft tissue abnormalities.
• Abnormal Laboratory Results: When blood work suggests changes in liver, kidney, or thyroid function, ultrasound can provide additional information about the structure of these organs.

We offer a full spectrum of diagnostic ultrasound examinations to evaluate symptoms, monitor chronic conditions, and guide preventive care. 

• Abdominal Ultrasound: Examines the structural health of the liver, gallbladder, kidneys, pancreas, and spleen to identify structural abnormalities, blockages, inflammation, or other issues.

• Pelvic Ultrasound: Delivers high-definition imaging of the uterus, endometrium, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and bladder via transabdominal or transvaginal approaches depending on diagnostic needs.
• Thyroid & Neck Ultrasound: Provides detailed images of the thyroid gland to evaluate nodules, enlargement, cysts, and other abnormalities that may require further assessment.
• Vascular (Doppler) Ultrasound: Measures the speed and direction of blood flow through peripheral arteries and veins to screen for blood clots, valve insufficiency, or arterial disease.
• Soft Tissue & Musculoskeletal Ultrasound: Scans localized areas of concern outside major body cavities, focusing on muscles, tendons, subcutaneous masses, and lymph nodes.

Your provider may recommend an ultrasound to investigate specific symptoms or follow up on initial physical exam findings, including:

• Persistent abdominal, flank, or pelvic pain
• Unexplained swelling, soft tissue lumps, or mass evaluations
• Abnormal blood test results (such as elevated liver enzymes or abnormal kidney markers)
• Suspected gallstones, kidney stones, or blood flow issues
• Follow-up evaluations after previous imaging studies

The information gathered during your ultrasound helps your provider better understand what is causing your symptoms and determine the most appropriate next steps. In some cases, ultrasound provides enough information to confirm a diagnosis. In others, it helps guide additional testing or treatment recommendations.

Knowing what to expect before your appointment can help you feel more comfortable and prepared. We design your imaging experience to be seamless, comfortable, and efficient.

Some ultrasound exams require little or no preparation, while others may require fasting or arriving with a full bladder to improve image quality. If any special instructions are needed, we'll let you know when your appointment is scheduled.

When you arrive, our team will review your information and guide you through the check-in process before your exam begins.

Your scan is conducted in a private, comfortable room by an experienced, certified sonographer.

1. You will lie on a padded exam table, and a warm, water-based gel will be applied to your skin over the targeted area.
2. The sonographer gently glides the transducer over your skin to capture dynamic images from multiple angles.
3. The procedure is painless and typically takes 20 to 45 minutes. You may feel light pressure as the transducer moves over sensitive areas.

During the appointment, multiple images are collected to provide your healthcare provider with a complete evaluation.

Once your scan is complete, we provide warm towels to wipe away the gel. You can return to work, drive, or resume normal daily activities immediately.

The images are reviewed and interpreted, and the results are shared with your ordering provider. Your provider will discuss the findings with you and explain whether any additional testing, follow-up care, or treatment is recommended.

If your healthcare provider has recommended an ultrasound, Grand Forks Clinic offers convenient on-site imaging services to help make the diagnostic process as seamless as possible. Our experienced team works closely with your provider to capture high-quality images that support accurate diagnosis and informed treatment decisions.

We strive to deliver precise and personalized evaluations, ensuring the highest quality of care for your health. To schedule an ultrasound or other imaging services, call us at (701) 775-5800 or request an appointment online.