Perhaps the most well-known use of sonograms is to monitor pregnancy.
Sonography, also known as an ultrasound, is an imaging tool that can be used to diagnose, monitor conditions and assist with medical procedures. An ultrasound is a non-invasive procedure that uses sound waves to form images of the body. There are no known health risks associated with sonography. As a result of this, the ultrasound is a frequently used tool for a number of reasons.
Pregnancy
Sonography is often used for monitoring pregnancy, as it poses no risk to the mother or unborn child. An ultrasound can help to predict due date for the pregnancy and measure the size of the fetus. Ultrasounds are also used to assess the fetus and screen for abnormalities. More recently, 3-D and 4-D ultrasounds have been used in pregnancy to get a more in-depth picture.
Upper Abdominal Organs
Sonography is used to study the internal organs that are accessible by sound wave -- not the digestive organs, as air obscures the image. Ultrasound can study the heart and blood vessels, namely the abdominal aorta. This imaging can also be used to assess blood flood in the blood vessels. An upper abdominal ultrasound also includes the liver, spleen, gallbladder, pancreas and kidneys. An ultrasound of these organs can, for example, detect gallbladder and kidney stones.
Pelvic Organs
Ultrasound is also used to evaluate a number of pelvic organs, such as the bladder, uterus and ovaries. This type of ultrasound can either be completed in the pelvic region or trans-vaginally, if a different view is needed. Ultrasounds can detect growths, such as cysts or fibroids, in the uterus and ovaries. Sonograms are also used to provide images of the scrotum and testicles, and can find prostate abnormalities.
Biopsy
Ultrasound is used to guide biopsies. A biopsy is when a needle is inserted to collect cells to be tested. Sonography is used to ensure that the correct cells are collected, such as when cells are being collected from a tumor, or other growth. The use of ultrasound throughout the biopsy also helps the doctor avoid inserting the needle into vital organs.
Tags: also used, also used assess, blood vessels, Sonography used, used assess, uterus ovaries
