Relying on sound, rather than radiation, an ultrasound is a very safe way to view a patient, internally. It is frequently used to analyze images of unborn children, organs and even veins and arteries.
During the exam, the patient lies on a table as a sonographer applies an acoustic gel to an area of the skin. He or she will then hold a small, hand-held, microphone-like device, called a transducer, over that area.
The transducer sends sound waves into the body and collects the reflected echoes they make. Those echoes translate into an image, which can be used as a diagnostic tool.
In most cases, your imaging exam will be interpreted within 24 hours.
Please keep in mind that your doctor’s office may need additional time to incorporate the report into your personal medical record.