Ultrasound
Ultrasound (or sonography) uses reflected sound waves to create real-time images of soft tissues, including muscles, blood vessels and organs. Because sound waves are used, there is no radiation exposure during this procedure.
Although most commonly used to examine the fetus during pregnancy, it is also an effective tool for monitoring blood flow using Doppler ultrasound technology. Ultrasound can be used to discover abnormalities in organs, and detect narrowed arteries, clotted veins, or growths such as tumors and cysts.
Northwest Health offers a variety of ultrasound procedures, including:
- Obstetric and breast ultrasound exams
- Ultrasound-guided biopsies of the breast, kidney, liver and thyroid
- Paracentesis and thoracentesis
Breast Ultrasound
A breast ultrasound is often used to further evaluate an abnormality found during a mammogram. Ultrasound allows doctors to visualize the area closest to the chest wall, which can be difficult to see using mammography. This technology also helps doctors determine whether a breast lump is filled with fluid (a cyst) or is a solid mass.
Kidney ultrasound
A renal (kidney) ultrasound utilizes sound waves to view the kidneys and bladder. Once the scan is completed, doctors are able to see the shape, structure and size of the kidneys in addition to the bladder and ureters. This test helps doctors identify tumors, obstructions, cysts, infections, kidney stones, abscesses and other health conditions.
Ultrasound also may be used to assist in kidney biopsies, placing drainage tubes or to drain fluid from abscesses and cysts.