Ultrasound
Ultrasound imaging, also known as sonography, is a completely noninvasive and painless procedure. It allows for the visualization of the inside of the human body using high-frequency sound waves, without any risk or discomfort to the patient.
During an ultrasound, a trained technician or doctor moves a device called a transducer over part of your body; the transducer emits sound waves, which bounce off tissues and are received back as echoes. The echoes created can identify the size, structure, and location of body tissues; that information is then used to create an image of the area of study.
Ultrasound is the most utilized form of diagnostic imaging after general X-ray, largely because no radiation is involved. This makes it the preferred imaging modality for diagnosing and monitoring pregnant women and fetuses.
It is also frequently used for breast, cardiac, renal, liver, gallbladder, musculoskeletal, ophthalmic, testicle, salivary gland, and lymph node imaging, among many others.
Additionally, ultrasound serves as a guiding tool for interventional procedures such as fine-needle breast aspiration and biopsy.
