What does an ultrasound do?

Ultrasound uses sound waves to produce images of the inside of the body. It is used to look at organs, tissues, and blood flow. Unlike X-rays, ultrasound does not use radiation.

Here's a step-by-step explanation of how an ultrasound works:

Preparation:

- The patient is asked to remove any jewelry or clothing that may interfere with the ultrasound probe.

- For certain abdominal ultrasounds, the patient may be asked to drink plenty of water or fast for a few hours before the examination to improve the visibility of the organs.

Ultrasound Gel Application:

- A clear, water-based gel is applied to the area of the body being examined. This gel helps to transmit the sound waves more effectively from the probe to the body.

Ultrasound Probe Placement:

- The ultrasound technician places the transducer probe on the skin over the area of interest. The probe emits high-frequency sound waves that are not audible to the human ear.

- The technician moves the probe over the skin, making sure there's good contact between the probe and the skin to allow proper penetration of the sound waves.

Sound Waves and Image Creation:

- When the sound waves emitted from the transducer hit the tissues and organs inside the body, they are reflected back towards the probe.

- The reflected sound waves are converted into electrical signals by the ultrasound machine. These signals are then processed and used to create real-time images on the monitor.

Visualizing Structures:

- The ultrasound images show the structures and organs within the body in various shades of gray. Denser tissues, like bones and tumors, appear brighter, while softer tissues appear darker.

- The technician can adjust various settings to optimize the image and capture specific views or measurements of the body parts being examined.

Recording and Interpretation:

- During the ultrasound examination, the technician may record short video clips or take still images of the captured images.

- After the examination, a radiologist or other medical professional will analyze the images to evaluate the findings and make a diagnosis.

It's important to note that ultrasound exams are typically painless, non-invasive, and safe. They provide valuable information for diagnosing various medical conditions and monitoring treatments without exposing the body to radiation.