What is Sonography – Overview
What is Sonography? – Sonography, often called ultrasound, is a medical imaging technique that uses sound waves.
The sound waves or ultrasound produce images of internal organs, muscles, tissues, and more from inside the body.
With the help of echocardiography, a specific type of sonography, medical professionals can examine the functioning of the heart.
Even after a heart attack, the device can detect damage to that particular area. In addition, sonography can check fetuses in pregnant women.
Sonography Categories
There are different kinds of patient experiences medical professionals have. They can help them by identifying their injuries, sharing more information about the surgery, and much more.
The categories are divided into different specialties.
Let’s take a look at how the sonographers play their roles.
- Gynecological: Here, the sonographer examines organs in the pelvic region, including the uterus and ovaries. He or she can also assess the pregnancy and share information about the due date, fetus development, and much more.
- Cardiac: This involves imaging the heart to assess its structure and function, which may include 3D imaging. Heart patients need to get this done if they are obese or prone to risk of cardiac failure.
- Vascular: This type of sonography is used to examine the blood flow through arteries and veins. Meanwhile, it is also helpful to know more about the arteries, veins, etc. Blood clots or blockages can be determined in real-time.
- Muscles & Skeleton: This kind of sonography is helpful in identifying discomfort in patients. It can be because of the muscles, ligaments, nerves, etc.
- Breast sonography: Often used to evaluate breast abnormalities that may indicate cancer or other conditions. Meanwhile, if a patient has received a report of an abnormal mammogram, the sonography can further check issues.
The Sonography Test
When it comes to sonography, the procedure is not easy for anyone to perform. It requires a medical professional with appropriate education and training.
Advanced knowledge of human anatomy and an understanding of physics are necessary.
A sonographer is qualified to perform the test or exam. A specialized equipment called a transducer is placed on the patient’s body.
The area is scanned, which collects images of the internal organs. These images are stored and printed as hard copies.
Further, the doctor checks the report and diagnoses the patient while sharing treatment steps.
Sonographers have some responsibilities, which can include the following:
- Explaining the sonography procedure to patients
- Obtaining images of the internal organs and status using the equipment
- Analyzing the images and tallying with the results obtained
- Identifying various conditions found during the examination
- Preparing a checklist of all the findings that the doctors need
Purpose of the Test
Sonography is a diagnostic medical imaging technique that can help identify various conditions within the body. It is used to diagnose or monitor medical conditions non-invasively, often reducing the need for exploratory surgery.
It helps find gallstones, kidney stones, liver ailments, cysts, pregnancies, and other conditions in the abdomen.
In addition to diagnosing the abdomen area, sonography helps identify bone and joint conditions, breast lumps, glands, blood flow, etc.
Additionally, it provides diagnostic information without exposing the patient to ionizing radiation. This makes it a preferred option in situations where avoiding the ionizing radiation of CT scans or the strong magnetic fields of MRI is desired.
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Visualizing the Living Body: Diagnostic Imaging
Benefits of Sonography
With the modern-day era and technological advancement, sonography has become much more sophisticated. At the same time, the diagnostic tools have taken imaging to the next level.
Insights about the human body and internal organs can be fetched as a visual representation. Please look at some of the benefits it delivers in various conditions.
- Pregnancy: Either it is a high-risk pregnancy or premature delivery; doctors can help in this condition. It is safe for both the mother and the fetus as the sound waves are not harmful.
- Breast imaging: Sonography is used to further evaluate abnormalities detected on mammography or physical exam and can assist in the early detection of breast cancer. It enables the patients with a better survival rate. Further, it is helpful if abnormal mammography is found and can become a guide for breast biopsies.
- Heart risks: Helps the patients by avoiding heart risks and other conditions. Abnormalities can be checked along with stroke and hypertension disorders.
- Prostate cancer: It being the most common among American men, there is a chance of family history. Early detection is a boon for the patients, and sonography does it right by identifying the issues.
Wrap it Up
Sonography is the safest option for patients. They can quickly know about the status of their internal organs – a non-invasive technique to help patients identify their disorders in the first place.
See Also
Sonography Programs in California
Sonography Programs in New York
Sonography Programs in Florida
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