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Diagnosing, Monitoring, and Guiding

Ultrasound, also called sonography, is a type of medical imaging. It uses low energy, high-frequency sound waves to produce pictures of the inside of the body. During an ultrasound, a technologist presses a small, handheld device, known as a transducer, on your body and moves it over the area being studied. While most ultrasound examinations are done outside your body, some involve placing the transducer inside your body through one of its natural openings.

ultrasound examination of patient's arm veins

Pregnancy

With ultrasound technology, your provider can view an unborn baby and determine their size, gestational age, due date, and gender. Ultrasounds can rule out ectopic pregnancies, identify if multiple babies are present, and help detect potential problems in a pregnancy, such as birth defects and breech positioning.

Ultrasound offers expectant parents the first glimpse of their child. At Glencoe Regional Health, moms-to-be can receive their prenatal sonograms instantly via text or email.

Diagnosis of Medical Conditions and Diseases

Ultrasound imaging may be used to diagnose a wide variety of conditions affecting the organs and soft tissues of the body. For example, it can be used to evaluate blood flow, examine a breast lump, check the thyroid gland, and diagnose gallbladder disease. It is also used to detect genital and prostate problems and assess joint inflammation.

Use During Medical Procedures

Ultrasound may be used to guide a needle for biopsy or tumor treatment. It can also be used to provide deep heat and micro-massage to open blocked milk ducts in breastfeeding women.

Appointments

If your provider orders an ultrasound, you’ll be provided with information about how to prepare for the appointment.