Ultrasound
What is an ultrasound?
An ultrasound test is a radiology technique, which uses high-
frequency sound waves to produce images of the organs and structures
of the body. The sound waves are sent through body tissues with a
device called a transducer. The transducer is placed directly on top
of the skin, which has a gel applied to the surface. The sound waves
that are sent by the transducer through the body are then reflected
by internal structures as "echoes." These echoes return to
the transducer and are transmitted electrically onto a viewing
monitor. The echo images are then recorded on a plane film and can
also be recorded on videotape. After the ultrasound, the gel is
easily wiped off.
The technical term for ultrasound testing and recording is
"sonography." Ultrasound testing is painless and harmless.
Ultrasound tests involve no radiation and studies have not revealed
any adverse effects.
For what purposes are ultrasounds performed?
Ultrasound examinations can be used
in various areas of the body for a variety of purposes. These
purposes include examination of the chest, abdomen, blood
vessels (such as to detect blood clots in leg veins) and the evaluation of pregnancy. In the chest,
ultrasound can be used to obtain detailed images of the size and function
of the heart. Ultrasound can detect abnormalities of the heart
valves, such as mitral valve prolapse,
aortic stenosis, and infection
(endocarditis). Ultrasound is commonly used to guide fluid withdrawal
(aspiration) from the chest, lungs, or around the heart. Ultrasound
is also commonly used to examine internal structures of the abdomen.
Gallstones in the gallbladder are easily detected, as are kidney
stones. The size and structure of the kidneys, the ureters, liver,
spleen, pancreas, and aorta within the abdomen can be examined.
Ultrasound can detect fluid, cysts, tumors or abscess in the abdomen
or liver. Impaired blood flow from clots or arteriosclerosis in the legs can be detected by ultrasound.
Aneurysms of the aorta can also be seen. Ultrasound is also commonly used to evaluate the structure of the
thyroid gland in the neck.
During pregnancy, an ultrasound can be used to evaluate the size,
gender, movement, and position of the growing baby. The baby's
heart is usually visible early, and as the baby ages, body motion
becomes more apparent. The baby can often be visualized by the
mother during the ultrasound, and the gender of the baby is sometimes detectable.
Next: How do patients prepare for an ultrasound? »
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