RadiologyInfo.org
The American College of Radiology and Radiological Society of North America features extensive information about ultrasound and how it benefits you and your physician.
Ultrasound
Evaluates organs with the use of sound waves
Ultrasound, also called sonography, is an imaging technique that gathers real time images and movement inside your body – usually an organ.
Ultrasound does not use radiation and is considered very safe when used appropriately. The most common reasons to have an ultrasound are to investigate pain, swelling or infection.
Looking at Movement in Your Body
During an ultrasound, the technologist lightly moves a special ultrasound probe (transducer) over the area of your body being examined. The technologist will first apply a clear gel to your skin to help the transducer make good contact and allow sound waves to travel effectively.
The wand transmits sound waves that create pictures on a computer. Your doctor uses the images to find the cause of your health problems.
Specialized Ultrasound
Specialized ultrasound may be used to more closely view the internal structures of your body:
- Ultrasound can be used to evaluate many organs such as the liver, kidneys, bladder, thyroid and other soft tissues.
- Specialized ultrasounds, such as echocardiography, are used to evaluate the heart.
- During pregnancy, doctors use ultrasound to view the developing fetus.
- Doppler ultrasound checks your blood flow.
In some cases, a specialized ultrasound may be performed using a small probe placed inside the body to provide clearer images. For example, a transvaginal ultrasound allows detailed views of the uterus and ovaries, and a transrectal ultrasound may be used to evaluate the prostate.
What to Expect
Looking at Movement in Your Body
During an ultrasound, the technologist lightly moves a special ultrasound probe (transducer) over the area of your body being examined. The technologist will first apply a clear gel to your skin to help the transducer make good contact and allow sound waves to travel effectively.
The wand transmits sound waves that create pictures on a computer. Your doctor uses the images to find the cause of your health problems.
Specialized Ultrasound
Specialized ultrasound may be used to more closely view the internal structures of your body:
- Ultrasound can be used to evaluate many organs such as the liver, kidneys, bladder, thyroid and other soft tissues.
- Specialized ultrasounds, such as echocardiography, are used to evaluate the heart.
- During pregnancy, doctors use ultrasound to view the developing fetus.
- Doppler ultrasound checks your blood flow.
In some cases, a specialized ultrasound may be performed using a small probe placed inside the body to provide clearer images. For example, a transvaginal ultrasound allows detailed views of the uterus and ovaries, and a transrectal ultrasound may be used to evaluate the prostate.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing to your ultrasound exam. You may be asked to remove your jewelry and change into a gown.
Depending on the reason for your ultrasound, you may be asked not to eat or drink for a certain number of hours before your exam. You might also be asked to drink a number of glasses of water right before your exam and avoid using the bathroom. Your doctor will review any special instructions you need to follow.
Preparing for Your Exam
Wear loose, comfortable clothing to your ultrasound exam. You may be asked to remove your jewelry and change into a gown.
Depending on the reason for your ultrasound, you may be asked not to eat or drink for a certain number of hours before your exam. You might also be asked to drink a number of glasses of water right before your exam and avoid using the bathroom. Your doctor will review any special instructions you need to follow.
You can return to normal activities immediately after an ultrasound exam.
A radiologists reviews your images and sends a report to your provider, who will discuss the results with you.
After Your Exam
You can return to normal activities immediately after an ultrasound exam.
A radiologists reviews your images and sends a report to your provider, who will discuss the results with you.
Be sure to write down the questions you want to ask your doctor in advance, so you don’t forget them at your appointment. Your questions might include:
- Why do I need to have an ultrasound?
- When will I receive the results?
- Will I need to have more tests after this?
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
Be sure to write down the questions you want to ask your doctor in advance, so you don’t forget them at your appointment. Your questions might include:
- Why do I need to have an ultrasound?
- When will I receive the results?
- Will I need to have more tests after this?
Frequently Asked Questions
How many ultrasounds will I need during pregnancy?
It’s likely that you will at least have a couple of ultrasounds throughout your pregnancy, though the number can vary from person to person.
- The first ultrasound is usually called the “dating” scan at around 10 to 13 weeks. This scan confirms that the pregnancy is viable and helps estimate a due date.
- The second scan is called an “anatomy” scan, which is a detailed ultrasound typically performed around 18 to 22 weeks to evaluate fetal development.
- Some patients may need additional ultrasounds in the third trimester to monitor development. This includes people with high-risk pregnancies or those carrying multiple babies.
Is ultrasound safe during pregnancy?
Yes. Ultrasound has been used safely in pregnancy for decades and does not use radiation. It is considered safe when performed by trained professionals for medical reasons.
How long does an ultrasound take?
Most ultrasounds take about 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the type of exam.
Can ultrasound detect cancer?
Ultrasound can help identify abnormal masses or areas of concern, but it cannot diagnose cancer on its own. A biopsy or additional imaging is usually needed to confirm a diagnosis.
Can you eat before an ultrasound?
Whether you have to fast before an ultrasound depends on what kind of scan you are having. For example, your doctor may ask you to fast for eight to 12 hours before an abdominal ultrasound, but a breast, testicular or limb scan may not require it. Some ultrasounds have specific water intake requirements. Be sure to ask your doctor what you should or shouldn’t eat or drink beforehand.
What diseases can be detected by ultrasound?
Ultrasound can help detect or evaluate a wide range of conditions, depending on the part of the body being examined:
- Blood flow problems (such as blood clots or narrowed vessels)
- Abnormal growths (tumors or cysts)
- Kidney or bladder stones, gallstones
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Uterine fibroids
- Certain heart structure or function abnormalities (using specialized cardiac ultrasound)
- Infections
- Thyroid nodules and abnormalities
- Soft tissue issues, such as tendon, muscle and joint problems, arthritis
- Endometriosis cysts
Resources
RadiologyInfo.org
The American College of Radiology and Radiological Society of North America features extensive information about ultrasound and how it benefits you and your physician.