Ultrasound Imaging

Ultrasound imaging (sonography) uses high-frequency sound waves to view inside the body. Because ultrasound images are captured in real-time, they can also show movement of the body's internal organs as well as blood flowing through the blood vessels. Unlike X-ray imaging, there is no ionizing radiation exposure associated with ultrasound imaging.

In an ultrasound exam, a transducer (probe) is placed directly on the skin or inside a body opening. A thin layer of gel is applied to the skin so that the ultrasound waves are transmitted from the transducer through the gel into the body.

Picture of a transducer (probe) used during an ultrasound exam.

The ultrasound image is produced based on the reflection of the waves off of the body structures. The strength (amplitude) of the sound signal and the time it takes for the wave to travel through the body provide the information necessary to produce an image.

Uses

Ultrasound imaging is a medical tool that can help a physician evaluate, diagnose and treat medical conditions. Common ultrasound imaging procedures include:

• Abdominal ultrasound (to visualize abdominal tissues and organs)

• Bone sonometry (to assess bone fragility)

• Breast ultrasound (to visualize breast tissue)

• Doppler fetal heart rate monitors (to listen to the fetal heart beat)

• Doppler ultrasound (to visualize blood flow through a blood vessel, organs, or other structures)

• Echocardiogram (to view the heart)

• Fetal ultrasound (to view the fetus in pregnancy)

• Ultrasound-guided biopsies (to collect a sample of tissue)

• Ophthalmic ultrasound (to visualize ocular structures)

• Ultrasound-guided needle placement (in blood vessels or other tissues of interest)

Benefits/Risks

Ultrasound imaging has been used for over 20 years and has an excellent safety record. It is based on non-ionizing radiation, so it does not have the same risks as X-rays or other types of imaging systems that use ionizing radiation.

Although ultrasound imaging is generally considered safe when used prudently by appropriately trained health care providers, ultrasound energy has the potential to produce biological effects on the body. Ultrasound waves can heat the tissues slightly. In some cases, it can also produce small pockets of gas in body fluids or tissues (cavitation). The long-term consequences of these effects are still unknown. Because of the particular concern for effects on the fetus, organizations such as the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine have advocated prudent use of ultrasound imaging in pregnancy. Furthermore, the use of ultrasound solely for non-medical purposes such as obtaining fetal ‘keepsake’ videos has been discouraged. Keepsake images or videos are reasonable if they are produced during a medically-indicated exam, and if no additional exposure is required.

Information for Patients including Expectant Mothers

For all medical imaging procedures, the FDA recommends that patients talk to their health care provider to understand the reason for the examination, the medical information that will be obtained, the potential risks, and how the results will be used to manage the medical condition or pregnancy. Because ultrasound is not based on ionizing radiation, it is particularly useful for women of child-bearing age when CT or other imaging methods would otherwise result in exposure to radiation.

Expectant Mothers

Ultrasound is the most widely used medical imaging method for viewing the fetus during pregnancy. Routine examinations are performed to assess and monitor the health status of the fetus and mother. Ultrasound examinations provide parents with a valuable opportunity to view and hear the heartbeat of the fetus, bond with the unborn baby, and capture images to share with family and friends.

In fetal ultrasound, three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound allows the visualization of some facial features and possibly other parts such as fingers and toes of the fetus. Four-dimensional (4D) ultrasound is 3D ultrasound in motion. While ultrasound is generally considered to be safe with very low risks, the risks may increase with unnecessary prolonged exposure to ultrasound energy, or when untrained users operate the device.

Expectant mothers should also be aware of concerns with purchasing over-the-counter fetal heartbeat monitoring systems (also called doptones). These devices should only be used by trained health care providers when medically necessary. Use of these devices by untrained persons could expose the fetus to prolonged and unsafe energy levels, or could provide information that is interpreted incorrectly by the user.

About CCH Radiology

The Radiology Department at Campbell County Memorial Hospital and the Outpatient Imaging Center in the Stocktrail Building provides ultrasound imaging services to patients in Gillette, Wyoming.

Ultrasound imaging uses high-frequency sound waves to produce dynamic visual images of organs, tissues or blood flow inside the body. Staff at CCH Radiology are certified in their respective specialties, and most have multiple certifications for different specialties. To learn more about the services available at Campbell County Health Radiology, click here.

Source: https://www.fda.gov/radiation-emitting-products/medical-imaging/ultrasound-imaging