Ultrasound Imaging
Ultrasound imaging is a noninvasive medical test that helps physicians
diagnose and treat medical conditions. Ultrasound imaging, also called
ultrasound scanning or
sonography, involves exposing part of the body to high-frequency sound waves to produce
pictures of the inside of the body. Ultrasound exams do not use
ionizing radiation (as used in
x-rays). Because ultrasound images are captured in real-time, they can show the
structure and movement of the body's internal organs, as well as blood
flowing through blood vessels.
A Doppler ultrasound study may be part of an ultrasound examination.
Doppler ultrasound is a special ultrasound technique that evaluates blood as it flows through
a blood vessel, including the body's major arteries and veins in the
abdomen, arms, legs and neck.
There are three types of Doppler ultrasound: