Ultrasound Services

What is Ultrasound?

Diagnostic ultrasound, also called sonography or diagnostic medical sonography, is an imaging method that uses sound waves to produce images of structures within your body. The images can provide valuable information for diagnosing and directing treatment for a variety of diseases and conditions.

Ultrasound imaging uses sound waves to produce pictures of the inside of the body. It helps diagnose the causes of pain, swelling and infection in the body's internal organs. Ultrasound is an effective exam for a variety of diagnostic procedures, including echocardiograms to evaluate how well the heart is pumping and heart valves are working; to diagnose and keep an eye on congenital heart disease; to review a recently diagnosed heart murmur; to inspect the vascular (blood vessel) system; to examine bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments or joints to discover the cause of pain; to check the abdomen for gallbladder, liver or pelvic problems; to isolate tumors, cysts, blockage and stones in the kidneys; as a follow-up test for a mammogram showing a mass or cyst; to guide a needle for biopsy of a mass or to drain fluid from an infected area; to examine the testicles for masses, infection or excess fluid; and many others.

How is ultrasound performed?

In most cases you will be asked to lie comfortably on an examination chair or table. Your sonographer or radiologist will apply a clear gel to the skin surrounding the area being examined to facilitate the penetration of sound waves into the body. He or she will gently swab the gelled area with a hand-held wand called a transducer, which produces the sound waves and sends the information to a computer screen for review in real time, capturing still and, when applicable, moving images. When necessary, you may be asked to rest in a few positions so your examiner can gather images from different angles. The skin being swabbed by the transducer may feel warm, which most patients report is painless, even pleasant.