Like a concerned parent or guardian would when taking a child to a medical examination, they want to make certain that the process is safe. In order for the image to be displayed, soundwaves must travel between the transducer and the area under investigation, and a separate LED or LCD screen must be used. ultrasound scanner is common for doctors to use the body area and bone structure of a patient to establish a baseline for the organ that they are inspecting during an examination.

On account of the large number of images that radiologists must review on a daily basis, it may take several days for them to complete their review and then send the results to the patient.

Depending on the patient's attire, the procedure may only take a few minutes if they dress in loose, comfortable clothing and leave their jewelry at home before the procedure. Some animal patients may require coaxing to remain still, while others may require sedation in the case of longer examinations or agitated temperaments, as in the case of children. While an ultrasound for that length of time should be performed during a routine exam, it should not be required in most cases.