Different Uses for Ultrasound

Ultrasound imaging, also known as sonography, is a type of medical imaging that allows physicians to examine what’s going on inside your body in a way that is safe, comfortable, and non-invasive. MANA provides medical imaging services — including ultrasound — at American College of Radiology accredited facilities in Northwest Arkansas.

Unlike other types of medical imaging, such as x-ray scans or CT scans, ultrasound imaging does not subject the patient to ionizing radiation. Instead, ultrasound uses sound waves to generate images of the inside of the body. However, ultrasound isn’t effective at imaging the lungs or the head as sound does not travel well through bone and air in the body. 

There are no known risks associated with ultrasound imaging and it typically does not require special preparation.

What are some of the different uses for ultrasound imaging?

Ultrasound has many different uses that help a physician evaluate, diagnose, and treat various medical conditions.

• One of the best known uses for ultrasound imaging is fetal ultrasound, which is used to examine a baby during pregnancy. It’s also used to view the ovaries and uterus during pregnancy.
• An abdominal ultrasound examines abdominal tissues and organs.
• Bone sonometry is a type of ultrasound imaging that examines bone density and assesses risk for osteoporosis.
• Breast ultrasound screening can help detect breast cancer in women with dense breasts.
• An echocardiogram, an ultrasound of the heart, allows assessment of the overall function of the heart. Echocardiograms are often combined with Doppler ultrasound, which visualizes blood flow through blood vessels and organs.
• Ultrasound may be used to assist with biopsies.
• Opthalmic ultrasound examines the structures of the eye.
• Ultrasound can help assess joint inflammation.
• Ultrasound imaging can help diagnose causes of pain, swelling, and infection inside the body.
• Physicians use ultrasound imaging to examine the structures of internal organs for damage after illness.
• Ultrasound can help detect genital and prostate problems.

MANA Imaging & MRI has ACR accreditation for Ultrasound, and The Breast Center has ACR accreditation for Breast Ultrasound. Your doctor will refer you for imaging services.