Ultrasound (also called sonography) uses highfrequency sound waves to produce dynamic visual images of organs, tissue or blood flow inside the body.
Ultrasound is a simple, safe, routine procedure that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions.
What Is an Ultrasound?
Ultrasound imaging, also called ultrasound scanning or sonography, involves exposing part of the body to high-frequency sound waves to produce pictures of the inside of the body. Ultrasound exams do not use ionizing radiation (X-ray). Because ultrasound images are captured in real-time, they can show the structure and movement of the body's internal organs, as well as blood flowing through blood vessels.
Most ultrasound examinations are painless, fast and easy. A registered, diagnostic medical sonographer will position you on the table, apply warm gel on your skin (over the area being imaged), and will then press on the skin with a hand-held transducer to obtain the necessary images.
The images are then analyzed and interpreted by a board-certified radiologist. The radiologist will send a signed report to your referring physician, who will share the results with you.
WakeMed uses state-of-the art imaging systems, which provide unprecedented quality for medical diagnosis in a wide range of areas including abdominal, OB/gynecology, breast, scrotum and thyroid. Ultrasound is also used to guide special procedures such as biopsies and fluid removal.
Learn more: Preparing for an ultrasound