Ultrasound imaging, also called ultrasound scanning or sonography, is a special tool that is used to obtain images from inside the body through the use of high-frequency sound waves. The reflected sound wave echoes are recorded and displayed as a real-time visual image similar to sonar on a ship. Ultrasound offers special advantages over other tests such as CT Scanning and MRI and is frequently used in conjunction with these exams to fully evaluate different organs. Ultrasound produces very precise images of your soft tissue and reveals internal motion, such as your heart beat or blood flow.
There is NO radiation involved in ultrasound imaging.
Because ultrasound images are captured in real time, they can show movement of internal tissues and organs and enable physicians to see blood flow and heart valve functions.
Some of the more frequent exams include evaluation of the gallbladder, kidneys, female pelvic organs, although almost any body part can be fully evaluated. Ultrasound has become an integral part of obstetrical care to evaluate growth and development of the fetus.
Common Uses for Ultrasound Examinations
Ultrasound imaging is used extensively to evaluate pregnancy. Pelvic ultrasounds allow physicians to examine the uterus and the fetus of an expectant mother. Ultrasounds have provided millions of parents with the first “picture” of their child. Ultrasound imaging is also frequently used for evaluating pelvic and abdominal organs, heart and blood vessels and can help a physician determine the source of pain, swelling or infection in many parts of the body.
Because ultrasound provides real-time images, it can be used to guide procedures such as needle biopsies. Needle biopsies are procedures in which needles are used to sample cells from organs for laboratory testing. Ultrasound is also used to image the breast and to guide biopsy of breast cancer.
Ultrasound can be used to evaluate superficial structures such as the thyroid gland and testicles.
Doppler Ultrasound
Doppler ultrasound examines blood flow in the major arteries and veins. Doppler ultrasound measures how sound waves reflect off of moving objects. A wand bounces short bursts of sound waves off of red blood cells and sends the information to a computer. Doppler ultrasound produces two-dimensional color images that show if blood flow is affected by problems in the blood vessels. Doppler images help the radiologist see and evaluate:
How the Procedure Is Performed
Ultrasound exams are usually painless, unless an area being examined is tender to the touch. You will be positioned on an examination table. A clear gel will be applied to the area of your body that is being examined. After applying the water-based gel, a small device called a transducer (or “probe”) is placed gently on the skin over the area to be evaluated. The gel helps the transducer make secure contact with the skin. The sound waves produced by the transducer cannot penetrate air so the gel helps eliminate air pockets between the skin and the transducer. The technologist or the radiologist will then press the transducer (which functions as both a generator of sound and a detector of sound) firmly against the skin and sweeps it back and forth to image the area of interest. The transducer can be moved in different directions with the patient in various positions to thoroughly evaluate an organ or body area.
Ultrasound is a safe and painless exam. You may be required to drink water prior to your exam in order to help enhance the quality of the images. You should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Other preparation depends on the type of examination you will have.
Benefits of Ultrasound
- The exam is usually painless.
- It is easy to use and is widely available.
- Ultrasound uses no radiation.
- It provides real-time imaging making it a good tool for guiding minimally invasive procedures such as needle biopsies.
- Ultrasound images can visualize function, structure and movement of organs and blood vessels.
There are NO known harmful effects of ultrasounds!
To schedule an exam, please call (941) 917-7322
