Ultrasound
Reviewed
Also called: sonogram, ultrasonography, pregnancy sonography, fetal ultrasound, obstetric ultrasound, diagnostic medical sonography
An ultrasound (sonogram) is an imaging test that uses sound waves to create pictures of organs, tissues, and other structures inside your body. It is commonly used to monitor pregnancy, diagnose medical conditions, and guide biopsies. Results are interpreted by your healthcare provider.
Specimen: none
Why this test may be ordered
- To monitor the health and development of an unborn baby during pregnancy.
- To diagnose the cause of a wide variety of medical conditions involving soft tissues.
- To guide certain biopsy procedures.
Preparation and collection
Preparation varies depending on the body part being examined. Some exams require no preparation; others may require a full bladder (e.g., for urinary tract imaging) or fasting for several hours. Your provider will give specific instructions.
none
According to MedlinePlus, ultrasound has not been linked to any health harms when used correctly by trained sonographers. However, in certain cases it can affect fluids and tissues in the body, so most experts recommend using ultrasound only when needed to provide important medical information.
Understanding results
The results of your ultrasound depend on the type of ultrasound you had. Your provider can explain what your results mean for your health.
- Screen-negative: The baby appears to be developing normally. However, an ultrasound cannot guarantee a healthy baby. Limitation: Ultrasound has not been linked to any health harms when used correctly by trained sonographers, but it can affect fluids and tissues in certain cases, so it is recommended only when needed to provide important medical information. Next step: Your healthcare provider will explain what your results mean for your health.
- Screen-positive: The results may indicate a possible issue. Limitation: Ultrasound has not been linked to any health harms when used correctly by trained sonographers, but it can affect fluids and tissues in certain cases, so it is recommended only when needed to provide important medical information. Next step: Further testing, including another ultrasound, may be needed to learn more. Your provider will explain the findings and next steps.
- Normal: No significant abnormalities were found. Limitation: Ultrasound has not been linked to any health harms when used correctly by trained sonographers, but it can affect fluids and tissues in certain cases, so it is recommended only when needed to provide important medical information. Next step: Your healthcare provider will explain what the results mean for your health.
- Abnormal: Findings that may help diagnose or rule out a condition. Limitation: Ultrasound has not been linked to any health harms when used correctly by trained sonographers, but it can affect fluids and tissues in certain cases, so it is recommended only when needed to provide important medical information. Next step: Additional tests or follow-up may be needed. Your provider will discuss the results and next steps.
- Ultrasound has not been linked to any health harms when used correctly by trained sonographers, but it can affect fluids and tissues in certain cases, so it is recommended only when needed to provide important medical information.
- An ultrasound cannot guarantee a healthy baby or rule out all conditions.
What to do next
Your healthcare provider will explain what your results mean for your health and recommend any necessary follow-up.
- What is the reason for my ultrasound?
- What do my results mean for my health?
- Do I need any additional tests or follow-up?