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Ultrasound » How does Ultrasound work? » How should I prepare? |
UltrasoundUltrasound imaging, also called ultrasound scanning or sonography, is a method of obtaining images from inside the human body through the use of high-frequency sound waves. The reflected sound wave echoes are recorded and displayed as a real-time visual image. No ionizing radiation (x-ray) is involved in ultrasound imaging. Obstetric ultrasound refers to the specialized use of sound waves to visualize and thus determine the condition of a pregnant woman and her embryo or fetus.Ultrasound is a useful way of examining many of the body\'s internal organs, including but not limited to the heart, liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, kidneys and bladder. Because ultrasound images are captured in real time, they can show movement of internal tissues and organs and enable physicians to see blood flow and heart valve functions. This can help to diagnose a variety of heart conditions and to assess damage after a heart attack or other illness. What are common uses for Ultrasound? Millions of expectant parents have seen the first "picture" of their unborn child with pelvic ultrasound examinations of the uterus and fetus. Ultrasound imaging is used extensively for evaluating the eyes, pelvic and abdominal organs, heart and blood vessels, and can help a physician determine the source of pain, swelling or infection in many parts of the body. Because ultrasound provides real-time images it can also be used to guide procedures such as needle biopsies, in which needles are used to sample cells from organs for laboratory testing. Ultrasound is now being used to image the breasts and to guide biopsy of breast cancer (see the Ultrasound-Guided Breast Biopsy page). Ultrasound is also used to evaluate superficial structures such as the thyroid gland and scrotum (testicles). Doppler ultrasound is a special technique used to examine blood flow. Doppler images can help the physician to see and evaluate blockages to blood flow (such as clots), narrowing of vessels (which may be caused by plaque), tumors and congenital malformation. |
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