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Ultrasound
Ultrasound imaging, also called ultrasound scanning or sonography, is a method of obtaining images from inside the human body through the use of high-frequency sound waves. The reflected sound wave echoes are recorded and displayed as a real-time visual image. No ionizing radiation (X-ray) is involved in ultrasound imaging.
Ultrasound is a useful way to examine many of the body's organs, including but not limited to the heart, liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, kidneys and bladder. This technology also is used to obtain images of the thyroid, breast, testicles, infant brain, infant hips and various other soft tissues. Ultrasound images are captured in real time, can show movement of internal tissues and organs, and enable doctors to see blood flow and other functions. This can help to diagnose many conditions and can help a doctor determine the source of pain, swelling or infection in many parts of the body.
Obstetric ultrasound refers to the specialized use of sound waves to see and thus determine the condition of a pregnant woman and her embryo or fetus.
Because ultrasound provides real-time images, it also can be used to guide procedures such as needle biopsies. In a needle biopsy, needles are used to gather cells from organs for laboratory testing.
Doppler ultrasound is a special technique used to examine blood flow. Doppler images can help doctors see and evaluate:
- Blockages to blood flow (such as clots)
- Narrowing of vessels (which may be caused by plaque)
- Tumors and congenital malformation
