Ultrasound Imaging

Ultrasound scanning or Sonography

Ultrasound imaging, also called ultrasound scanning or sonography, involves exposing part of the body to high-frequency sound waves to produce pictures of the inside of the body. Ultrasound examinations do not use ionizing radiation (as used in X-rays). Because ultrasound images are captured in real-time, they can show the structure and movement of the body's internal organs, as well as blood flowing through blood vessels. Ultrasound is a useful way of examining many of the body's internal organs, including but not limited to the:

• Heart and blood vessels, including the abdominal aorta and its major branches
• Liver
• Gallbladder
• Spleen
• Pancreas
• Kidneys
• Bladder
• Uterus, ovaries and unborn child (fetus) in pregnant patients
• Eyes
• Thyroid and parathyroid glands
• Scrotum (testicles)
• Brain in infants
• Hips in infants

Ultrasound is also used to guide procedures such as needle biopsies and image the breasts to guide biopsy of breast cancer.

How is the ultrasound procedure performed?

A clear water-based gel is applied to the area of the body being studied to help the transducer make secure contact with the body and eliminate air pockets between the transducer and the skin that can block the sound waves from passing into your body. The sonographer (ultrasound technologist) or radiologist then presses the transducer firmly against the skin in various locations, sweeping over the area of interest or angling the sound beam from a farther location to better see an area of concern. Most ultrasound experiences are painless, fast and easy.

Who interprets the ultrasound results and how do I get them?

A radiologist, a physician specifically trained to supervise and interpret radiology examinations, will analyze the images and send a signed report to your primary care physician or the physician who referred you for the exam, who will share the results with you.

What are the benefits vs. risks of getting an ultrasound?

Benefits

• Most ultrasound scanning is noninvasive (no needles or injections) and is usually painless.
• Ultrasound is widely available, easy-to-use and less expensive than other imaging methods.
• Ultrasound imaging does not use any ionizing radiation.
• Ultrasound scanning gives a clear picture of soft tissues that do not show up well on x-ray images.
• Ultrasound is the preferred imaging method for the diagnosis and monitoring of pregnant women and their unborn babies.
• Ultrasound provides real-time imaging, making it a good tool for guiding minimally invasive procedures such as needle biopsies and needle aspiration.

Risks

• For standard diagnostic ultrasound there are no known harmful effects on humans.

Blanchard Valley Hospital, EasternWoods Outpatient Center and Bluffton Hospital have appointments available.

To schedule an appointment call:
Central Scheduling at 419.423.5323
Patients can typically be scheduled within 24 hours.

For more information, call:
BVH Imaging Services Department: 419.423.5429
Bluffton Hospital Imaging Services Department: 419.358.9010

More questions on Ultrasound Imaging? Visit the American College of Radiology.