Diagnostic tests: what is ultrasound?

By Cristiano Antonino On Mar 22, 2023

Ultrasound scanning is a simple diagnostic imaging technique used by many specialists who turn to the sonographer for a more in-depth examination to aid diagnosis

Ultrasound makes use of ultrasound to obtain a precise image of the organs under investigation

While originally ultrasound was mainly used in the internist and gynaecologist fields, today it is a fundamental routine test often used in the diagnostic field (internist, surgical, gynaecologist, endocrinologist, urologist, obstetrician, orthopaedist).

What is ultrasound used for?

The field of application of ultrasound is vast; it is a test that allows images of the organs being observed to be acquired.

Apart from bones, for example, which are not visible, everything else is clearly observable: ultrasound shows everything that is parenchymal (the liver, kidneys) and everything that is liquid (bladder, cysts, haematomas).

Ultrasound has not only a diagnostic purpose, it is in fact used a great deal as a guide for interventional manoeuvres: biopsies, drainage of abscesses, placement of catheters.

These interventions are performed by the sonographer with the collaboration of the surgeon, the hepatologist or the specialist who sends the patient for surgery.

Who can perform ultrasound?

There are no limitations or contraindications to undergoing this test.

Is ultrasound painful or dangerous?

It is well established that ultrasound is harmless for the body; there are therefore no limitations or contraindications to undergoing this type of test.

How does ultrasound work?

Using a probe that sends ultrasound (placed on the patient’s body or, in certain ultrasound scans, inserted into the vagina or anus, for example), the sonographer is able to ‘see’ inside the human body.

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