Ultrasound
What is Ultrasound?
Ultrasound imaging uses high frequency sound waves (emitted from a transducer) to get an image of the inside of the body. The reflected sound waves create an echo pattern which is displayed as a real-time visual image.
Most ultrasound images are obtained by gently pressing and rolling the handheld transducer over areas of the body with a warm gel (used to improve sound wave strength).
Ultrasound is used for many reasons, including to:
- Monitor a developing fetus during pregnancy
- Diagnose gallbladder disease
- Guide a needle for a biopsy or to drain fluid
- Examine a breast lump
- Check the thyroid gland
- Evaluate male and female reproductive organs
- Assess joint inflammation (synovitis)