Ultrasonography
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Ultrasound imaging, also called sonography, is a non-invasive procedure which uses sound waves to create real-time images of the human body. Ultrasound works like sonar by bouncing sound waves off an object. A computer interprets the reflected sound waves and forms an image. No x-rays are involved.
Ultrasounds are frequently used to:
- Evaluate internal organs for tumors, cysts, abscesses, inflammation and obstruction.
- Locate stones in the gallbladder, bile ducts, or kidneys.
- Detect abnormalities of the heart valves.
- Detect aneurysms and impaired blood flow from blood clots or arteriosclerosis.
- Detect early pregnancy and study developing babies.