Ultrasound imaging is a noninvasive medical test that helps the physician diagnose and treat medical conditions. Vascular ultrasound uses sound waves to create real-time pictures of the arteries and veins to evaluate the body’s circulatory system and to help to identify blockages in vessels and detect blood clots. The Doppler ultrasound study is a technique that evaluates blood flow through a blood vessel. Ultrasound provides a picture of soft tissues that do not show up well on x-ray images. Ultrasound does not use ionizing radiation and has no harmful effects. Little or no special preparation is required for the performance of an ultrasound. Leave jewelry at home and wear loose, comfortable clothing.
Ultrasound imaging, also called ultrasound scanning or sonography, involves the use of a small transducer or probe and ultrasound gel placed directly on the skin. High-frequency sound waves are transmitted from the probe through the gel into the body. The transducer or probe collects the sound waves that bounce back, and the computer then uses those sound waves to create an image. Ultrasound images are captured in real time and show the structure and movement of a body’s internal organs as well as blood flowing through blood vessels.