Ultrasound

We use high-definition ultrasound imaging at Atrium Health Floyd and Harbin Clinic. This advanced method creates a clearer, more detailed image than traditional ultrasound, which helps your provider better diagnose problems.

What is an ultrasound?

An ultrasound is a type of imaging test. It uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image called a sonogram.

An ultrasound machine has a wand (transducer) that sends out sound waves. The sound waves reach structures in your body and bounce back to the transducer as echoes.

The machine calculates how far away structures are by timing how long it takes echoes to come back to the wand. It uses this information to create a real-time picture of nearby tissues and organs.

Types of diagnostic ultrasounds

Your provider may recommend a certain type of ultrasound depending on your symptoms or needs. Ultrasound commonly helps them see structures including your:

• Abdominal organs
• Blood vessels
• Brain and spine
• Eyes
• Heart
• Pelvic organs
• Thyroid

Other types of specialized ultrasounds include:

Breast ultrasound

A breast ultrasound creates a picture of your breast tissue. It can work better than mammography (breast X-ray) to show signs of breast cancer in people with dense breast tissue.

It also helps your provider learn more about abnormal mammogram or clinical breast exam results. Ultrasound shows whether a breast lump is a fluid-filled cyst or a solid tumor.

OB-GYN ultrasound

An OB-GYN ultrasound shows female reproductive organs, including the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus and vagina. During pregnancy, an ultrasound shows the fetus, placenta and pelvic structures.

Ultrasounds throughout your pregnancy help your provider check the health of the pregnancy, you and your baby. Your provider can determine information such as your baby’s age, growth rate and position in the uterus. They can also see signs of pregnancy complications and recommend any treatment necessary.

3D and 4D ultrasounds during pregnancy

3D and 4D ultrasounds allow you to see what your baby will look like before they’re even born. The added dimensions capture your baby’s features in more detail, including showing their real-time movements. These advanced ultrasounds provide the best image quality when done 28–32 weeks into pregnancy.

This technology is not usually used as a diagnostic tool. Rather, it’s an additional ultrasound that you can request. For many, it’s a treasured experience that you’ll remember for a lifetime.

Ultrasound uses and benefits

Ultrasound imaging helps your provider find abnormalities throughout your body and make an accurate diagnosis. It can also help them plan any treatment necessary, including surgery.

Ultrasound doesn’t use ionizing radiation, a common risk associated with other imaging tools like X-rays, CT scans and nuclear medicine. It’s a safe imaging test for people of all ages, including people who are pregnant.

What to expect with ultrasound

Your ultrasound experience varies depending on the type of ultrasound you need. The test usually takes about 30 minutes.

In most cases, your provider will put a water-based gel on your skin. The gel helps sound waves pass through your skin by preventing air pockets.

Then, your provider will gently press the ultrasound wand on your skin. Images of tissue and organs in the area will appear on the ultrasound machine’s screen. You may be able to see the screen, too, depending on your position.

Some ultrasounds involve putting the wand inside a body cavity (opening) to get a clearer image. Your provider may insert the wand into the vagina or rectum, for example, to see your digestive tract or pelvic organs. You may receive local anesthesia or sedation if needed to keep you as comfortable and safe as possible during the test.

Ultrasound risks and side effects

Ultrasound is a safe imaging method that generally doesn’t cause pain. At most, you may feel slight discomfort from the pressure or insertion of the ultrasound wand. The gel applied to your skin can feel cold initially, which may also cause temporary discomfort.