Sonography is a diagnostic technique that uses sound waves to create images of the bones and tissues in the body. You may know it as ultrasound or sonogram. During the test, a transducer produces sound waves that bounce off the body’s inner structures, and a computer uses these to create an image.
Your doctor may recommend sonography to investigate symptoms such as pain and lumps. It can be used to diagnose circulation issues, abdominal issues, reproductive issues, musculoskeletal injuries, and is probably most well-known for its use in obstetrics, or monitoring pregnancy.
If you are scheduled for sonography, let’s talk about what you can expect during the test.
What Happens During a Sonography?
Before the start of the exam, you may be asked to change into a hospital gown, depending on the part of the body that needs to be evaluated. It is possible to just expose the body part that needs to be examined.
The test is carried out by an ultrasound technician, or a sonographer, and it is usually completed in just 30 minutes. You will be asked to lie on an examination bed for the test.
- First, the sonographer will apply lubricant to the skin, which is to prevent friction that can be uncomfortable and also for its conductive qualities to help improve the transmission of sound waves. The gel may feel cold but should not cause any discomfort.
- Then, the sonographer will use a device that looks like a microphone, which is called a transducer. It is this device that will transmit the sound waves through the body. The sonographer will also coat it with lubricating gel, place the transducer over the skin, and move it around to allow the sound waves to bounce off the organs and tissues, for the computer to record and create images. During the test, the sonographer may apply light pressure with the transducer, which shouldn’t cause any pain.
- While guiding the transducer over the area of interest, the sonographer may also use the computer to capture images and drag the mouse pointer across the screen to measure the size of the image.
- After the sonographer has recorded the information and taken the images that they need, the exam is over. The lubricating gel will be removed from your skin, and you will be good to go about your day.
The sonographer will forward the results of the sonography to your doctor. If the test is for pregnancy, you will be given a copy of the image or a link to view the pictures. In some cases, the transducer may be inserted into a body cavity, such as the vagina, to examine the ovaries.
Ultrasound in Jacksonville, FL
For comfortable ultrasound scans by friendly and professional radiologists and technicians, schedule your test with Innovative Open MRI & Imaging. We are proud to offer this diagnostic technique, which is safe and carries no risks.
To schedule your ultrasound scan, call our Jacksonville diagnostic clinic at (904) 268-1080 or use our appointment request form. We look forward to helping advance your healthcare using our innovative exams and patient-centric approach.