Sonography

Sonography is a diagnostic medical test that uses high-frequency sound waves, or ultrasound waves, to create images of tissues, glands, organs, and blood or fluid flow within the body. This test is also referred to as an ultrasound or sonogram. Sonography uses a device called a transducer on the surface of the skin to send ultrasound waves and listen for an echo. A computer translates the ultrasound waves into an image. A trained technician can see, measure, and identify structures in the image. A healthcare provider then reads the images to help diagnose the issue or problem at hand. Sonography is useful for evaluating the size, shape, and density of tissues to help diagnose certain medical conditions. Traditionally, ultrasound imaging is great for looking into the abdomen without having to cut it open. Healthcare providers often ask patients to fast (not eat or drink) for six hours before an abdominal ultrasound to look at the gallbladder. But they may tell you to drink several glasses of water and not urinate before a sonogram of the bladder.

Precautions and Risks

A sonogram is a noninvasive imaging test that has no known complications. Ultrasound waves are thought to be harmless. While the energy of the ultrasound waves could potentially irritate or disrupt tissues with prolonged exposure, the computer modulates the power of the sound. Also, a trained technician uses techniques to minimize exposure times and angles, making sonography the safest of all imaging tests.