Ultrasonography

Ultrasonography is diagnostic imaging test which uses high-frequency sound waves to study internal organs or blood vessels, producing an image in real time. The test is also known as an ultrasound scan or a sonogram. The main uses of ultrasonography include the diagnosis and assessment of early pregnancy. Ultrasound is a non-invasive, accurate and cost-effective way to observe the fetus. It plays a major role in the care of every pregnant woman.

But it can also be used to examine the eyes, breasts, pelvic and abdominal organs, the arteries and the heart, and to look for stones in the gallbladder or the kidneys.

Breast ultrasound, also known as sonography or ultrasonography, is frequently used to evaluate breast abnormalities that are found with diagnostic mammography or during a clinical breast exam performed by a doctor. Ultrasound is able to obtain images of the breast from almost any angle and is excellent at imaging cysts. Additionally, ultrasound can often quickly determine if a suspicious area is in fact a cyst or an increased density of solid tissue, which may require a biopsy to determine if it is malignant.

No other imaging option gives patients a real-time look at their anatomy or openly encourages discussions with physicians about their symptoms and the evidence of disease on the monitor. Ultrasound does not involve the use of any radiation and is considered safe, patient-friendly and inexpensive. The adoption of this modality by hospitals and other healthcare institutions has generated new market opportunities for manufacturers of ultrasound systems and components suppliers.