Ultrasound

Overview

Ultrasound is a test that uses reflected sound waves to produce an image of organs and other structures in the body. It does not use X-rays or other types of radiation.

For ultrasound testing, gel or oil is applied to the skin to help transmit the sound waves. A small, handheld instrument called a transducer is passed back and forth over the area of the body being examined. The transducer sends out high-pitched sound waves that are reflected back to the transducer. A computer analyzes the sound waves and converts them into a picture that is displayed on a TV screen. The picture produced by ultrasound is called a sonogram, echogram, or ultrasound scan. Pictures or videos of the ultrasound images may be made for a permanent record.

Ultrasound is most useful for looking at organs and structures that are either uniform and solid (like the liver) or fluid-filled (like the gallbladder). Mineralized structures (like bones) or air-filled organs (like the lungs) do not show up well on a sonogram.

• Abdominal Ultrasound
  An abdominal ultrasound image is a useful way of examining internal organs, including the liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, and bladder.
• Carotid Arteries Ultrasound
  Ultrasound of the carotids is a non-invasive screening exam used to detect narrowing of the carotid artery caused by cholesterol build up.
• Obstetric Ultrasound
  
• Pelvic Ultrasound
  A pelvic ultrasound is a procedure that uses reflected sound waves to produce a picture of the lower abdominal (pelvic) organs and other structures inside the pelvis.
• Testicular Ultrasound
  Testicular ultrasound is generally utilized in the evaluation of scrotal pain, mass or swelling.