A sonogram or ultrasound is a picture created by special sound waves. The sound energy penetrates deep to give images of your connective tissue, organs, and veins. Your Halper Family Medicine doctor may advise you get an ultrasound if you have unusual pain, swelling, or signs of infection in internal organs. The procedure is relatively quick, convenient, and noninvasive.

During the sonogram, a technician applies a gel to the examination area. They then run a wand, known as a transducer, over the area. The wand transmits high-frequency sound waves into your body and collects these sounds back to create an image (sonogram) on a computer. The image gives your doctor a picture that they can then evaluate to determine the cause of your symptoms or health of your heart and veins.

The doctors at Halper Family Medicine may order an ultrasound to evaluate pain, infection, or swelling in a specific area. If you have unexplained pelvic pain or digestive distress, a sonogram can be helpful in evaluation. Symptoms that suggest you have an issue with any of the following organs may call for an ultrasound.

• Heart
• Pelvic organs
• Pancreas
• Liver
• Gallbladder
• Kidneys
• Bladder

The ultrasound technology can also image the breasts and identify blood clots. Additionally, ultrasound can offer an analysis of your heart that reveals early carotid artery disease and the success of any treatment you’re undergoing.

Undergoing the procedure is pain-free. It uses no radiation, as is used during X-ray, so this makes sonograms safe for everyone.

Usually, you don’t need to take any special action before a sonogram. You will be asked to wear comfortable clothes so you can easily change into a hospital gown for ease of testing.

You can go back to all your daily activities following a sonogram. Sonograms cause no side effects or pain following the testing.

To learn more about sonograms as a diagnostic tool and its convenient availability at Halper Family Medicine, call the office or book a consultation online.