Why is a sonogram used

The ultrasound technologist, known as a sonographer, will place some gel onto your skin to provide better contact between your body and the ultrasound probe. They will then place the hand-held probe on your skin above the area of your body, organ or tissue that is being studied.

The two-dimensional or sometimes three-dimensional pictures are shown instantly on a monitor. Other types of ultrasound may need a slightly different procedure.

For example, a woman undergoing an investigation of her pelvis may have a transvaginal scan, which involves inserting a special ultrasound probe into the vagina rather than or as well as scanning through the front of the pelvis.

An ultrasound scan usually takes around 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the type of examination. After the procedure, the sonographer will give you paper towels or something similar to wipe off the gel. You can then get dressed. The results of the ultrasound scan are usually sent to your doctor, so you will have to make a follow-up appointment with them to get the results. Most ultrasound scans are non-invasive and the procedure does not involve the use of ionising radiation such as x-rays.

Ultrasound scans for pregnant women are now considered routine in Australia. Most people can go about their normal business once they have finished the ultrasound examination. Treatment — if any — depends on the reason for your scan. For example, fibroids detected during a scan may be surgically removed myomectomy , shrunk with medications or simply monitored. For example, sound waves travel easily through fluids and will not bounce off of water, urine or other liquids.

They will, therefore, appear black on a sonogram. When sound waves hit a tissue, they reflect back into the ultrasound machine and transform into a white or gray image, depending on the intensity of the sound wave. Extremely dense tissues such as bones and kidney stones produce echoes easily and appear bright white on a sonogram.

Pregnant women may get ultrasounds to generate sonograms of the fetus. A medical ultrasound is a type of imaging test.

Unlike many other imaging tests, ultrasounds do not use radiation to produce images of the internal body. Instead, ultrasounds use high-frequency sound waves to create pictures.

An ultrasound machine includes a computer, monitor, printer and handheld transducer that sends and receives sound waves.

If you need to get an ultrasound, you can expect the following steps:. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Diagnostic ultrasound, also called sonography or diagnostic medical sonography, is an imaging method that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of structures within your body.

Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Ultrasound of breast cyst Open pop-up dialog box Close. Ultrasound of breast cyst This ultrasound shows a breast cyst. Ultrasound of liver tumor Open pop-up dialog box Close. Ultrasound of liver tumor An ultrasound uses sound waves to create an image. Ultrasound of gallstones Open pop-up dialog box Close. Ultrasound of gallstones This ultrasound shows gallstones. Ultrasound of needle-guided procedure Open pop-up dialog box Close. The part of your body getting scanned and the number of images needed play a role in determining how long the MRI will take.

Here's what to expect. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Sonogram vs. Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M. A sonogram is the picture that the ultrasound generates. Sonography is the use of an ultrasound tool for diagnostic purposes.

In short, an ultrasound is the process, while a sonogram is the end result. How does ultrasound work? What is ultrasound used for? The takeaway. Read this next. Medically reviewed by University of Illinois.

Doppler Ultrasound Exam of Arm or Leg.