Ultrasound
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An ultrasound examination, also known as ultrasonography or echosonography, is an imaging technique that allows internal body structures to be seen by recording echoes of ultrasonic waves. Ultrasound waves are entirely safe.
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Ultrasound equipment directs a narrow beam of high frequency sound waves into an area of interest. The sound waves may be transmitted through, reflected or absorbed by the tissue toward which they are pointed.
As the beam strikes the interface or boundary between two tissues, some of the ultrasound waves are absorbed and others are reflected back. These reflected sound waves are converted into electrical impulses that are displayed on a monitor. This gives a 2-dimensional “picture” of the tissues under examination.
The technique is invaluable for the examination of internal organs and was first used in veterinary medicine for pregnancy diagnosis. However, the technique is also extremely useful in evaluating heart conditions and identifying changes in abdominal organs. Ultrasonography is very useful in the diagnosis of cysts and cancers.
As the beam strikes the interface or boundary between two tissues, some of the ultrasound waves are absorbed and others are reflected back. These reflected sound waves are converted into electrical impulses that are displayed on a monitor. This gives a 2-dimensional “picture” of the tissues under examination.
The technique is invaluable for the examination of internal organs and was first used in veterinary medicine for pregnancy diagnosis. However, the technique is also extremely useful in evaluating heart conditions and identifying changes in abdominal organs. Ultrasonography is very useful in the diagnosis of cysts and cancers.
