An ultrasound of the full-body uses high-frequency sound waves to create a live image from inside of a patient’s body. It is a painless test that is very commonly used in the medical field today. An ultrasound is also sometimes referred to as a sonogram, diagnostic sonography, or ultrasonography. The medical professional that performs an ultrasound is called a sonographer.
As an ultrasound uses sound waves rather than radiation, it is regarded as being a safe scan. Because of this, it is the preferred method to use during pregnancy.
An ultrasound diagnoses problems with internal organs, blood vessels, and soft tissue structures within the body. Although generally associated with being used during pregnancy, an ultrasound is used to examine many other parts of the body including the gallbladder, liver, kidneys, pancreas, bladder, and many other internal structures.