Ultrasound

Medical ultrasound (sonography) uses high-frequency sound waves emitted from a small transducer to make images of soft tissues in real time. Because the technology uses sound waves, no radiation is involved.

Ultrasonography is used to examine various organs and systems in the abdomen, pelvis, testicles, breast, arteries and veins.

Radiologists can use ultrasound to guide minimally invasive procedures including the draining of fluid from the lungs and thin-needle biopsy of tumors. An ultrasound study of a fetus is widely used to reveal the size and gestational age. Like other imaging technology, ultrasound images are now available in 3-dimension (3-D) and 4-dimension (4-D) viewing.