Ultrasounds

What is an ultrasound?

An ultrasound is a noninvasive imaging test that uses high-frequency sound waves to visualize different structures inside the body, including the organs and blood vessels.

During an ultrasound, patients typically lie on a table while a technician uses a small device called a transducer to move over different parts of the body. The transducer sends out sound waves that bounce off different structures in the body and create images on a screen. The technician may capture still images and/or video.

What is the purpose of an ultrasound?

The purpose of an ultrasound is to look at different structures in the body and check for any problems. Ultrasounds may also be used to assess the effectiveness of treatments.

When will Dr. Reyes order an ultrasound?

Dr. Reyes may order an ultrasound if he suspects a condition that affects a certain part of the body that can’t be seen from the outside, such as the heart or liver. He may also order an ultrasound to rule out certain conditions that could be causing your symptoms. When Dr. Reyes orders an ultrasound, he’ll inform you of the test’s intended purpose.

What do the results mean?

The results of an ultrasound may be normal or abnormal. A normal ultrasound indicates that the images collected during the tests didn’t show any abnormalities. An abnormal ultrasound indicates that one or more images collected showed something out of the ordinary.

Abnormal ultrasound results don’t always indicate a serious problem. In some cases, you may have abnormal ultrasound results because of a benign condition, such as a cyst, or because of a technical error.

Likewise, normal ultrasound results don’t always exclude the possibility of a problem. Some issues may not show up on an ultrasound. If an ultrasound had abnormal results, or if Dr. Reyes suspects a problem despite a normal ultrasound, he may order further testing.

Are there risks?

Studies haven’t identified any risks associated with ultrasounds. The sound waves used during these tests aren’t harmful; ultrasounds don’t expose you to radiation like other imaging tests, such as X-rays.