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. The images can provide valuable information for diagnosing and treating a variety of diseases and conditions.

Most ultrasound examinations are done using an ultrasound device outside your body, though some involve placing a device inside your body.

Why it’s done

Ultrasound is used for many reasons, including to:

• View the uterus and ovaries during pregnancy and monitor the developing baby’s health
• Diagnose gallbladder disease
• Evaluate blood flow
• Guide a needle for biopsy or tumor treatment
• Examine a breast lump
• Check your thyroid gland
• Detect genital and prostate problems
• Assess joint inflammation (synovitis)
• Evaluate metabolic bone disease

Before the procedure

• Ultrasound image of a breast cyst
• Ultrasound of breast cystOpen pop-up dialog box Ultrasound image of a benign liver tumor
  Liver ultrasoundOpen pop-up dialog boxUltrasound image of gallstones
• Ultrasound of gallstonesOpen pop-up dialog boxUltrasound image showing a needle entering a tumor
• Ultrasound-guided needle procedureOpen pop-up dialog boxTransvaginal ultrasound
  Transvaginal ultrasoundOpen pop-up dialog box

Before your ultrasound begins, you may be asked to do the following:

• Remove any jewelry from the area being examined.
• Remove some or all of your clothing.
• Change into a gown.
• You’ll be asked to lie on an examination table.

During the procedure

Gel is applied to your skin over the area being examined. It helps prevent air pockets, which can block the sound waves that create the images. This water-based gel is easy to remove from skin and, if needed, clothing.

A trained technician (sonographer) presses a small, hand-held device (transducer) against the area being studied and moves it as needed to capture the images. The transducer sends sound waves into your body, collects the ones that bounce back and sends them to a computer, which creates the images.

Sometimes, ultrasounds are done inside your body. In this case, the transducer is attached to a probe that’s inserted into a natural opening in your body. Examples include:

Transesophageal echocardiogram. A transducer, inserted into your esophagus, obtains heart images. It’s usually done while you are sedated.
Transrectal ultrasound. This test creates images of the prostate by placing a special transducer into the rectum.
Transvaginal ultrasound. A special transducer is gently inserted into the vagina to get a quick look at the uterus and ovaries.
Ultrasound is usually painless. However, you may experience mild discomfort as the sonographer guides the transducer over your body, especially if you’re required to have a full bladder, or inserts it into your body.

A typical ultrasound exam takes from 30 minutes to an hour.

Results

When your exam is complete, a doctor trained to interpret imaging studies (radiologist) analyzes the images and sends a report to your doctor. Your doctor will share the results with you.

You should be able to return to normal activities immediately after an ultrasound.