What is an Ultrasound

Ultrasound imaging uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of internal body structures without use of radiation. 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.

A transducer is placed against the skin's surface. Gel is placed on the skin to improve the contact of the transducer to the area being examined. The sound waves are recorded and displayed in the form of images on a screen. Studies include:

• Abdominal ultrasound - assesses the gallbladder, spleen, pancreas and kidneys

• Female pelvic ultrasound - Evaluates the uterus, ovaries and their surrounding anatomy.

• Renal artery ultrasound - This test evaluates blood flow to the kidneys through the renal artery

• Scrotal ultrasound - Evaluates abnormalities of the testicles and surrounding tissues.

• Thyroid ultrasound - Evaluates the size of the thyroid gland and looks for thyroid nodules.

• Vascular, carotid or deep vein ultrasound - Evaluates the body's circulatory system by monitoring the blood flow. Vascular ultrasound is used to diagnose blockages, such as clots or plaque. Images may also be used to plan or review the success of procedures such as vessel grafts.

Ultrasound imaging, also called ultrasound scanning or sonography, involves exposing part of the body to high-frequency sound waves to produce pictures of the inside of the body. Ultrasound exams do not use ionizing radiation (as used in x-rays). Because ultrasound images are captured in real time, they can show the structure and movement of the body's internal organs.

In medicine, ultrasound is used to detect changes in the appearance of organs and tissues or detect abnormal masses, such as tumors. In an ultrasound examination, a transducer both sends out sound waves and records the echoing waves. When the transducer is pressed against the skin, it directs small pulses of inaudible, high-frequency sound waves into the body. As the sound waves bounce off internal organs, fluids, and tissues, the sensitive microphone in the transducer records tiny changes in the sound's pitch and direction. These signature waves are instantly measured and displayed by a computer, which in turn creates a real-time picture on the monitor. One or more frames of the moving pictures are typically captured as still images.

Preparation

Generally, no preparation is needed. If your doctor has ordered a test to rule out abdorninal aortic aneurysm (AAA), we require that you do not take anything by mouth after midnight except for oral medication (with water if necessary).

You should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for your ultrasound exam. You may need to remove all clothing and jewelry in the area to be examined. You also may be asked to wear a gown during the procedure.

What to Expect

Most ultrasound examinations are painless, fast, and easy. The patient is positioned lying face-up on an examination table that can be tilted or moved. The radiologist or sonographer will apply some warm, water-based gel on your skin and then place the transducer firmly against your body, moving it back and forth over the area of interest until the desired images are captured.

There is usually no discomfort from pressure as the transducer is pressed against the
area being examined. If scanning is performed over an area of tenderness, however, you may feel pressure or minor pain from the transducer.

Advantages of Ultrasound

Most ultrasound scanning· is noninvasive (no needles or injections) and painless.
Ultrasound is widely available, easy to use, and cost-effective. This procedure provides a clear picture of soft tissues that do not show up well on x-ray images and can be repeated as often as necessary without any health side effects.

Common uses of ultrasound include:

• Evaluating symptoms such as pain, swelling, and infection

• Examining many of the body's internal organs, including heart, liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, and bladder

• Guiding procedures such as needle biopsies

• Imaging of the breasts and guiding breast cancer biopsies

• Diagnosing a variety of heart conditions and assessing damage after a heart attack