Sonography, also known as ultrasonography, is a type of diagnostic procedure using high frequency sound waves in order to generate vibrant images of blood flow, organs and tissues inside the body.

Sonography tests can be used to effectively diagnose problems with several parts of the body like the blood vessels, breasts, heart, reproductive system, heart and prostrate. Sonography tests are being used more and more to detect and treat vascular diseases, heart attacks and heart disease that could cause a stroke. Sonography can also be used to guide needles for tissue biopsies to take cell samples from the body to be tested in the lab. Because sonography is does not contain radiation, it can be used when X-rays are too dangerous.

A number of different sonography tests are used in specialized fields, such as:

1. Echocardiography
Echocardiography is a sonography test for the heart, also called a cardiac ultrasound. This test uses standard ultrasound methods to take a two-dimensional image of the heart. Now, several systems produce real-time, 3-D images. It is also used to accurately assess cardiac tissue and blood velocity at arbitrary points by using continuous wave or pulsed Doppler ultrasound.

2. Endocrinology Ultrasound
This sonography test is used to produce 2-D images and Doppler performance that includes high quality all digital signal processing. It is used to visualize thyroid glands and detect any abnormalities.

3. Abdominal Sonography
In gastroenterology, the solid organs in the abdomen like the aorta, bile ducts, gall bladder, inferior vena cava, kidneys, liver, pancreas and spleen are viewed and examined by using abdominal sonography. Diagnostics are limited in this area because the sound waves get blocked by the gas that is in the bowel. At times, the appendix can be examined to check for appendicitis.

4. Gynecologic Sonography
This type of sonography test is used to examine the female pelvic organs, including the adnexa, the bladder, the Fallopian tubes, the ovaries, the Pouch of Douglas as well as the uterus to find any conditions other than pregnancy.

5. Neurological Sonography
This type of sonography test is used to assess the flow of blood as well as stenosis in the large intracerebral arteries and the cartoid arteries.

6. Obstetric Sonography
Obstetric sonography is a type of sonography that is used to examine a fetus or embryo while it is still in the womb. This test is standard procedure during pregnancy to ensure the health of the baby and mother throughout the pregnancy.

7. A- & B-Scan Ultrasound Biometry
These sonography tests are used in ophthalmology to identify common sight disorders and other issues with the eyes.

8. Renal and Urological Sonography
This test is used to measure the amount of fluid being retained in the bladder. A pelvic sonogram shows images of the urinary bladder, uterus and ovaries. In men, it is used to verify the health of the prostate and bladder.

9. Musculoskeletal Sonography
This test is used to detect problems and abnormalities in the bones, muscles, tendons and nerves.

10. Intravascular Ultrasound
This test is used for fine needle aspiration, guided fluid aspiration and guided injections.

Mary Ward writes about how to choose among online diagnostic medical sonography degrees.

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