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What is General Ultrasound Imaging?
Ultrasound (US) imaging, also called ultrasound scanning
or sonography, is a
method of obtaining images from inside the human body through the use of high
frequency sound waves. The reflected sound wave echoes are recorded and displayed
as a real-time visual image. No ionizing radiation (x-ray) is involved in
ultrasound imaging. Obstetric ultrasound refers to the specialized use of sound
waves to visualize and thus determine the condition of a pregnant woman and her
embryo or fetus.
Ultrasound is a useful way of examining many of the body's internal organs,
including the heart, liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, and bladder.
Because ultrasound images are captured in real-time, they can show movement of
internal tissues and organs, and enable physicians to see blood flow and heart
valve functions. This can help to diagnose a variety of heart conditions and to
assess damage after a heart attack or other illness.
You should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for your ultrasound exam.
Other preparation depends on the type of examination you will have. For some
scans, your doctor may instruct you not to eat or drink for as many as 12 hours
before your appointment. For others, you may be asked to drink up to six glasses
of water two hours prior to your exam and avoid urinating, so that your bladder
is full when the scan begins.
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