Ultrasound is a safe examination that provides excellent imaging without any significant risk to the patient. Ultrasound provides excellent imaging of the soft tissues of the body, and is a safe procedure that does not have the risks associated with imaging that uses radiation.
There are no proven harmful effects of sound waves at the levels used in ultrasound when carried out in a proper clinical setting, such as a private radiology practice or hospital. Ultrasound can be used with patient movement, so is ideal for imaging babies and children. Dynamic imaging moving pictures provided by images using ultrasound sound waves gives the opportunity to look at the inside of the body in positions or with movements where there is pain or movement restriction.
Rarely, a specific ultrasound contrast medium is injected into a vein of the arm to detect certain types of diseases or problems. If the radiologist feels that this will be useful, then this will be explained to you at the time of the examination. Ultrasound is mostly non-invasive, provides accurate imaging tests of the body, is readily available and is relatively inexpensive.
The ultrasound can be carried out by various health professionals. In most situations, this is a sonographer. A sonographer is a health professional who is specialised and fully qualified in ultrasound examinations. The sonographer will provide a preliminary interpretation of the images on the screen to a radiologist specialist doctor , who will review the results.
Sometimes, it may be necessary for the radiologist to attend the examination to see the images on the screen rather than just the still photographs, carry out any further scans or movements and talk to you about your symptoms. After discussing the images and results with a sonographer, the radiologist will provide a report to your doctor. Generally, an ultrasound is done in a hospital in a diagnostic imaging, radiology or ultrasound department or in a private radiology practice. Trained sonographers and specialist radiologists work in these facilities.
As ultrasound equipment is portable and inexpensive to operate, it can be carried out in a variety of places and by a range of health professionals. For example, your obstetrician a doctor specialising in delivering babies and the care of women after childbirth may have a small ultrasound system to examine you in your first part of pregnancy, or your rheumatologist a doctor specialising in conditions of the joints or muscles may have a small ultrasound system to guide injections.
Doctors in hospital accident and emergency departments also sometimes use ultrasound. When ultrasound examinations are done outside imaging practices or hospitals, patients or their carers should ensure they are being examined and results interpreted correctly by asking if the examiner is specialised in ultrasound examinations. The time it takes for your doctor to receive a written report will vary.
The private radiology practice, clinic or hospital where your procedure is carried out will be able to tell you when your doctor is likely to receive the report. It is important that you discuss the results with your doctor, so they can explain what the results mean for you.
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The content of this publication is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. Some of the tests and procedures included in this publication may not be available at all radiology providers. Each person should rely on their own inquires before making decisions that touch their own interests. Find information about a clinical radiology procedure or test: Refine search Reset. Health professional information. Magnetic resonance imaging MRI uses a high-strength magnet and radio waves to scan the body… Read more.
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How long does the test take? What happens after the test? Where can you learn more? Top of the page. The transducer is a small hand-held device that resembles a microphone. Some exams may use different transducers with different capabilities during a single exam. The transducer sends out inaudible, high-frequency sound waves into the body and listens for the returning echoes.
The same principles apply to sonar used by boats and submarines. The technologist applies a small amount of gel to the area under examination and places the transducer there. The gel allows sound waves to travel back and forth between the transducer and the area under examination. The ultrasound image is immediately visible on a video monitor. The computer creates the image based on the loudness amplitude , pitch frequency , and time it takes for the ultrasound signal to return to the transducer.
Ultrasound imaging uses the same principles as the sonar that bats, ships, and fishermen use. When a sound wave strikes an object, it bounces back or echoes. By measuring these echo waves, it is possible to determine how far away the object is as well as its size, shape, and consistency. This includes whether the object is solid or filled with fluid. Doctors use ultrasound to detect changes in the appearance of organs, tissues, and vessels and to detect abnormal masses, such as tumors.
In an ultrasound exam, a transducer both sends the sound waves and records the echoing returning waves. When the transducer is pressed against the skin, it sends small pulses of inaudible, high-frequency sound waves into the body.
As the sound waves bounce off internal organs, fluids and tissues, the sensitive receiver in the transducer records tiny changes in the sound's pitch and direction. A computer instantly measures these signature waves and displays them as real-time pictures on a monitor. The technologist typically captures one or more frames of the moving pictures as still images.
They may also save short video loops of the images. Doppler ultrasound, a special ultrasound technique, measures the direction and speed of blood cells as they move through vessels.
The movement of blood cells causes a change in pitch of the reflected sound waves called the Doppler effect. A computer collects and processes the sounds and creates graphs or color pictures that represent the flow of blood through the blood vessels. For most ultrasound exams, you will lie face-up on an exam table that can be tilted or moved. Patients may turn to either side to improve the quality of the images.
The radiologist a doctor specifically trained to supervise and interpret radiology exams or sonographer will position you on the exam table. They will apply a water-based gel to the area of the body under examination. The gel will help the transducer make secure contact with the body. It also eliminates air pockets between the transducer and the skin that can block the sound waves from passing into your body. The sonographer places the transducer on the body and moves it back and forth over the area of interest until it captures the desired images.
There is usually no discomfort from pressure as they press the transducer against the area being examined. However, if the area is tender, you may feel pressure or minor pain from the transducer. Once the imaging is complete, the technologist will wipe off the clear ultrasound gel from your skin. Any portions that remain will dry quickly.
The ultrasound gel does not usually stain or discolor clothing. If the doctor performs a Doppler ultrasound exam, you may hear pulse-like sounds that change in pitch as they monitor and measure the blood flow. When the exam is complete, the technologist may ask you to dress and wait while they review the ultrasound images.
A radiologist, a doctor trained to supervise and interpret radiology exams, will analyze the images. The radiologist will send a signed report to the doctor who requested the exam.
Your doctor will then share the results with you. In some cases, the radiologist may discuss results with you after the exam. You may need a follow-up exam.
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