A type of medical testing, ultrasonography involves the use of concentrated waves of sound to produce images of the internal structures of the body. Doctors can then use these images to diagnose illnesses and disease. Ultrasonography involves applying a layer of gel to the area being imaged and then pressing and moving a hand-held object called a transducer over the area. Medical professionals classify ultrasonography into various types based upon what body part is undergoing testing.
Abdominal
Abdominal ultrasonography involves pressing the transducer against a patient's upper abdomen. The purpose of this type of sonography is to create an image of the internal organs located in this region, including the kidneys, liver, gallbladder, pancreas and spleen. Conditions diagnosable or identifiable with abdominal ultrasound include gallstones, kidney stones and organ enlargement. Most abdominal ultrasound tests take approximately 30 minutes to perform, explains RadiologyInfo.org. Patients remain awake during the procedure and typically lie face-up on the examination table.
Obstetric
Obstetric ultrasonography uses sound waves to produce images of a developing fetus inside a pregnant woman's uterus. Performed during most pregnancies, this type of ultrasound involves pressing the transducer against the woman's lower abdomen. The test allows doctors to determine whether a baby is developing at the appropriate speed. Some congenital defects and problems with the amniotic fluid are diagnosable through the test. Obstetric ultrasonography can also help determine the sex of a baby and whether or not multiple fetuses are present. The test typically lasts for 30 minutes with patients awake and lying on their backs, reports RadiologyInfo.org.
Pelvic
Pelvic ultrasonography tests produce images of the organs in the lower portion of the body, such as the bladder, ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes, seminal vesicles, prostate and appendix. The test can determine the presence of any type of abnormalities on these organs, such as tumors or enlargement. During a pelvic ultrasound, the sonographer may press the transducer against the patient's abdomen. Alternately, the transducer may be inserted into a woman's vagina or into a man's rectum. The position of a patient during the procedure varies based upon the type of test. In most cases, pelvic sonograms take 30 minutes to complete, explains RadiologyInfo.org.
Vascular
Vascular ultrasonography involves imaging of the blood vessels in any part of the body. Doctors use this type of sonogram to locate blockages, structural abnormalities, tumors and general narrowing of the veins and arteries. During the test, the sonographer places the transducer over the area of the body that contains the blood vessel being tested. In some cases, testing more than one location is necessary. A patient's position during the test varies based upon the part of the body undergoing the procedure. Most vascular ultrasounds last 30 to 45 minutes, according to RadiologyInfo.org. Complex tests may require a longer period of time to complete.
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