Imaging

Florida Digestive Health Specialists provides patients with high-quality imaging services at convenient locations. Our in-depth diagnostic imaging helps our gastroenterologists manage, diagnosis and treat gastrointestinal and liver illnesses more effectively.

Imaging services offered are:

Diagnostic Ultrasounds: Ultrasounds are a safe, non-invasive method that provide visualization of the GI tract to detect and monitor abnormalities. Unlike x-rays, ultrasounds do not use radiation. Instead, they use sound waves to capture images of the internal body structures. Ultrasounds can lead to early implementation of treatment and help patients avoid invasive diagnostic procedures.
Pillcam Capsule Endoscopy: Capsule endoscopy allows your gastroenterologist to examine the lining of your small intestine, an area that is difficult to reach even with more traditional endoscopy procedures. A tiny wireless camera sits inside a vitamin-size capsule that you swallow. As the camera moves through your digestive tract, it takes pictures that are sent to a small recording device you wear around your waist.
Fibroscan: A FibroScan® is a noninvasive ultrasound device that measures liver scarring, called fibrosis, and the amount of fat in the liver. Like a traditional ultrasound exam, a FibroScan® is quick and painless. It provides a non-surgical option to assessing liver damage.

Schedule an appointment by contacting the location that is most convenient for you (after you receive an order from your FDHS physician).

Bradenton

Venice

Sarasota County

Lakewood Ranch

Brandon

Englewood

Tampa

Ultrasound Instructions

Abdominal ultrasound (30 minutes) / Mesenteric ultrasound (1.5 hours)

Do not eat or drink for 6 hours prior to exam. You may sip on water only. If your ultrasound is scheduled in the afternoon, you may have a light breakfast 6 hours prior to your exam.
(If your gallbladder has been removed, do not eat or drink anything for 4 hours prior to exam)
Please avoid gas-causing foods and dairy (ex: broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage or salads).
The evening before your ultrasound please take 1 anti-gas pill (ex: Gas X or Mylicon).
Take 1 additional anti-gas pill an hour prior to your exam.
Please wear a two-piece outfit.

Pelvic ultrasound (15-30 minutes)

1 hour prior to your exam, drink 32 ounces of water (lukewarm water is the best).
Do not empty bladder. You must feel like you need to urinate at appointment time.
Please wear a two-piece outfit.

Abdominal/Pelvic ultrasound (45 minutes)

Don’t eat or drink anything for 6 hours prior to exam, except water.
(If your gallbladder has been removed, do not eat or drink anything for 4 hours prior to exam)
1 hour prior to your exam, drink 32 ounces of water. Do not empty bladder.
The evening before your ultrasound please take 1 anti-gas pill (ex: Gas X or Mylicon).
Take 1 additional anti-gas pill an hour prior to your exam.
Please wear a two-piece outfit.

Free FibroScan®

A FibroScan® is a noninvasive ultrasound device that measures liver scarring and the amount of fat in the liver. Like a traditional ultrasound exam, a FibroScan® is quick and painless. It provides a non-surgical option to assessing liver damage. Ask our UltraSound tech if you are eligible to receive a free FibroScan® and click here learn more from our research institute.

Who should get a FibroScan®?
Patients with any of the following risk factors: