What is an Ultrasound (also known as Sonography)?
Ultrasound imaging, uses sound waves to produce images of structures in your body. During an ultrasound exam, an acoustic gel is applied to your skin and a small hand-held device called a transducer is used to image various organs and/or blood vessels. Because ultrasound uses sound waves instead of radiation to create images, it is a safe way to image a pregnant woman and her unborn child. However, ultrasound has many other uses. It can be used to exam the liver, kidneys, pancreas, gall bladder, spleen, and urinary bladder as well as the uterus, ovaries, scrotum and prostate gland. It can be used to guide needle placement for biopsies and fluid drainages. It is used to check for clots or narrowed areas in arteries and veins. There are other applications, as well. How should I prepare for an Ultrasound? Many ultrasound exams require no preparation. However, some require you to go without eating for 8-12 hours and to refrain from smoking. You may be asked to drink water prior to your exa
