Many people associate ultrasound with pregnancy. It is almost synonymous with pregnancy. Many parents find that their ultrasound appointment is their first bonding experience with their unborn child. They are often unaware that the sonographer has a mental checklist of images she must acquire so that the ultrasound is more than just a bonding experience but possibly a life-saving event for mother and child as well. Many people are surprised that ultrasound has many other important medical uses, especially when nonionizing radiation should be used (ionizing radiation, such as x-ray, can be harmful).
Obstetric and Gynecological
Ultrasound is routinely used to screen for physical problems with a mother and fetus. Women experiencing gynecological problems, such as unusual bleeding or pelvic pain, may have a pelvic ultrasound to assess the uterus and ovaries.
Small Parts
Smart parts ultrasound uses a high-frequency transducer, or camera, to obtain high-resolution images of the "small parts." "Small parts" is a term used for breast, thyroid and scrotal imaging. Breast ultrasound often accompanies a mammogram.
Abdominal
Ultrasound is often used to look for physical abnormalities with the abdominal organs, including the pancreas, liver, gallbladder, spleen and kidneys. The bowel cannot be adequately visualized with ultrasound.
Vascular
Ultrasound is the only imaging modality that can use Doppler to measure the direction and speed of blood traveling through blood vessels. The speed of blood helps physicians determine if there is a blockage or clot. Pulsed wave Doppler measures the velocity, or speed, of blood flow by providing a waveform that can be measured. Continuous wave Doppler demonstrates the direction of blood flow by assigning a specific color to a direction.
Cardiac
Cardiology departments often employ a specialized sonographer called an echocardiographer. Echocardiographers obtain images and Doppler readings of the heart.
Surgical
Ultrasound is often used by radiologists and surgeons to assist with surgical procedures such as catheter insertions, vein closures and biopsies. It is used to visualize where a needle or catheter may be and where it is going.
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