Needing an Ultrasound

Why would someone need or get an Ultrasound?

In general, ultrasounds (or sonograms) are technically used in medicine to detect changes in appearance of organs, tissues, and vessels or to detect abnormal masses. Most people think of them as what pregnant women get to see the fetus inside their body. However, they have many, many other important uses.

Ultrasound scanning is noninvasive and is usually painless. It is widely available, easy-to-use and less expensive than other imaging methods. It can be a safer option since it does not use any x-ray radiation and provides a clear picture of soft tissues that do not show up well on x-ray images. Ultrasounds can provide real-time imaging.

Physicians may use ultrasound as a diagnostic tool but it’s not limited to diagnosis. Ultrasounds can also be used in screening for disease and/or to aid in treatment of diseases or various medical conditions. Surgeons and emergency physicians aslo use ultrasound at bedside to assess abdominal pain or other concerns. Ultrasounds can even help a surgeon guide a needle biopsy and/or treatment of a tumor. And, as most know, obstetricians use ultrasound during a woman's pregnancy.

Getting an Ultrasound:

Before the Ultrasound

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During the Ultrasound

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After the Ultrasound

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