Ultrasound, or diagnostic medical sonography, is a safe and painless imaging process. It uses high-frequency sound waves, without radiation, to generate images of the internal structures of the body.
The sound wave echoes are recorded and displayed as an image on a screen, which the radiologist can interpret. Because ultrasound images are captured in real-time, they can show movement of internal tissues and organs.
Ultrasound may be used to evaluate the abdomen, including the gallbladder, liver, kidneys, pancreas, spleen, and appendix; the pelvis, including the uterus, ovaries, and bladder; obstetric exams; duplex Doppler vascular studies, including leg veins, carotid artery, and aorta; the thyroid; the scrotum; pediatric imaging; superficial masses; and breast ultrasound, including evaluation of breast nodules, which often compliments mammography.
John Muir Health’s ultrasound facilities are accredited by the American College of Radiology and the Joint Commission. Our sonographers are certified by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Many of our sonographers have undergone additional training and are certified as vascular technologists.