What is an ultrasound?
Ultrasound diagnostic imaging, also called sonography, is an imaging method that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of structures within your body. They can provide important information that can help diagnose a number of conditions other imaging methods may not be able to detect.
Ultrasound imaging is often used to:
- View an unborn fetus
- Examine a variety of organs including the kidneys, liver, gallbladder, breasts, prostate, muscles, heart, uterus, and ovaries
- Diagnose certain types of cancer
- Guide a needle for biopsy or tumor treatment
- Detect tumors or masses
How does ultrasound imaging work?
Images are created by sending sound waves into the body and then listening for their echo. This is done with a transducer, a hand-held device that converts one form of energy to another and a computer, which will display the data. When the transducer is pressed against the skin, small pulses of inaudible, high-frequency sound waves are directed into the body. As these sound waves bounce off internal organs, fluids, and tissues, the transducer receiver collects the tiny changes in the pitch and direction of the sound. The data is then displayed by a computer, as a real-time (moving) picture on the monitor.
In some cases, ultrasounds are done internally. To do this, the transducer is attached to a probe and then inserted into a natural opening in your body, such as the esophagus, rectum, or vagina.
Ultrasound Locations
What to expect
An ultrasound procedure is usually painless and typically doesn’t take longer than 30 minutes to an hour to complete. You should be able to return to normal activities immediately after an ultrasound. Once the exam is complete, a radiologist analyzes the images and sends a report to your doctor, who will then share the results with you.
Triad Radiology offers Ultrasounds at a variety of locations, including hospitals, imaging centers, and clinics. Contact us if you want to learn more or schedule an appointment.
