What Is an Ultrasound Used For?
Ultrasound is used for the diagnosis of symptoms, examination of internal organs, images of a fetus during pregnancy and assistance with minimally invasive procedures.
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Diagnosis of Symptoms
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Ultrasound can be used to assist a physician in the diagnosis of symptoms such as pain, swelling and infection.
Examination of Internal Organs
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Often an ultrasound is ordered to examine internal organs such as the heart, liver, gallbladder, kidneys, bladder, thyroid and scrotum. Images can provide physicians with information about changes in the organ's appearance or the presence of abnormal masses.
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Pregnancy
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Ultrasound is used during pregnancy to monitor the development of an unborn child and to detect any abnormalities. Measurements taken during this procedure help to determine the age of the fetus.
Assistance with Other Procedures
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Physicians can use ultrasound to guide them for needle biopsies or aspirations, amniocentesis and injections.
Benefits
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Usually ultrasound is noninvasive. It provides immediate images and is more economical than other methods of imaging.
Risks
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Ultrasound has no known risks to humans.
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