Understanding Sonograms: What They Reveal About Your Health

Sonograms, often called ultrasounds, refer to a diagnostic imaging technique that uses sound waves to create an image of an area inside the body. Unlike X-rays and CT scans, sonograms do not expose patients to radiation.

Purpose

• Doctors use images produced by sonograms to examine organs and structures, such as an arm, breast or the abdomen, to determine whether a patient has an illness or abnormality. Doctors may perform sonograms on patients who exhibit symptoms or as a screening exam.

Pregnancy Sonograms

• Sonography is often associated with pregnancy sonograms. Doctors perform sonograms on pregnant women to determine the baby's age, growth, position and gender and to identify any problems with the baby.

Process

• During a sonogram, an assistant will apply a clear gel to your skin to improve sound wave transmission. The sonographer will then move a handheld probe over the skin. Some tests require an inserted probe. Sonograms do not hurt.