About Ultrasound Imaging
Ultrasound is safe, painless and produces pictures of the inside of the body using sound waves. Ultrasound imaging (also called ultrasound scanning or sonography) involves the use of a small transducer (probe) and ultrasound gel placed directly on the skin. High-frequency sound waves are transmitted from the probe through the gel into the body. The transducer collects the sounds that bounce back and a computer then uses those sound waves to create an image. Ultrasound examinations do not use ionizing radiation (as used in x-rays), thus there is no radiation exposure to the patient. Because ultrasound images are captured in real-time, they can show the structure and movement of the body's internal organs, as well as blood flowing through blood vessels.
DVD.
CT images of internal organs, bones, soft tissue, and blood vessels typically provide greater detail than traditional x-rays, particularly of soft tissues and blood vessels.
Types of Ultrasound
Abdominal Ultrasound
Used to help diagnose and evaluate the kidneys, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen and abdominal aorta.
Vascular Ultrasound
Used to evaluate the body's circulatory system and help identify blockages in the arteries and veins and detect blood clots.
Obstetrical Ultrasound
Used to produce pictures of a baby within a pregnant woman.
Hysterosonography
Used to take pictures of the inside of a woman's uterus and help diagnose unexplained vaginal bleeding.
Pelvic Ultrasound
Frequently used to evaluate the reproductive and urinary systems. 3 types of pelvic ultrasound: abdominal, vaginal, and rectal.
Renal Ultrasound
Used to image the kidneys.
Thyroid Ultrasound
Used to image the thyroid gland in the neck. Commonly used to evaluate lumps or nodules.
Testicular Ultrasound
Used to evaluate disorders of the testicles, epididymis, and scrotum.
Pediatric Ultrasound
It can be used in many areas. Because ultrasound does not use ionizing radiation, ultrasound is a safe option for children.