t Union General Hospital, we offer state-of-the-art ultrasound technology in our radiology department. Ultrasound terminology can be confusing and we are here to help you understand the differences so that you can get the help that you need. Sonograms, diagnostic sonography, or ultrasonography can be used interchangeably and are all referring to the same device. In many cases, our doctors consider ultrasounds to be safer because they don’t cause as much radiation as other technologies like a CT scan, for instance.
An ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves and creates images of various parts of the body. These images allow doctors to see what’s going on inside the body. When some people hear the word “ultrasound” they may think of it as the device used to check the health of a baby. However, ultrasounds can be used in many other areas of the body such as:
- Blood vessels
Ultrasounds can be used for a variety of purposes and in a variety of health departments, too. Here are some common examples of ways we utilize our ultrasound technology here at Union General Hospital:
- Cardiology – Doctors can view 3D images of the heart and veins.
- Newborn infants – Sonographers are able to check for abnormalities in the brain.
- Neurology – Sonographers can detect blood flow in certain arteries.
- Obstetric Ultrasonography – Images of the fetus are able to be seen. It’s through ultrasonography that doctors are able to determine the sex of the baby.
- Abdominal Sonography – Sometimes, appendicitis is able to be detected through the use of a sonogram.
- Breast Health – Ultrasounds are able to spot lumps and abnormalities inside the breasts.
If you or a loved one have questions about ultrasounds or would like to set-up an appointment with one of our skilled sonographers, please contact us today.