Ultrasound
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 possibly harmful 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 that is being examined. The transducer sends out
high-pitched sound waves (above the range of human hearing) that are reflected
back to the transducer. A computer analyzes the reflected 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 (such as the liver) or
fluid-filled (such as the gallbladder). Mineralized structures (such as bones)
or air-filled organs (such as the lungs) do not show up well on a
sonogram. Credits
| Author | Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS | | Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA | | Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer | | Associate Editor | Pat Truman, MATC | | Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine | | Specialist Medical Reviewer | Paul D. Traughber, MD - Radiology | | Last Updated | January 5, 2009 |
| Author: |
Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS |
Last Updated: January 5, 2009 |
| Medical Review: |
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Paul D. Traughber, MD - Radiology |
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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.
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