Ultrasound Services

An ultrasound study — also called a sonogram — is a medical test that is painless and usually noninvasive. One of the safest medical tests available today, ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves and a computer to create images of blood vessels, tissues and organs. A sonogram is used to view internal organs as they function and to assess blood flow through various vessels. This type of imaging study is used to evaluate the following:

Ultrasound is available for scanning various parts of the body
  An ultrasound study.
  • Abdomen (gallbladder, liver, pancreas, kidneys and spleen)
  • Aorta
  • Breast, breast biopsy, cyst aspiration and hookwire guidance
  • Carotid artery
  • DVT (deep vein of the extremities)
  • Hysterosonography
  • Pelvis (uterus and ovaries)
  • Pregnancy (fetus)
  • Prostate and prostate biopsy
  • Scrotum (testicles)
  • Thyroid

What happens in an ultrasound?
An ultrasound is performed on an outpatient basis. First, the sonographer applies a warm gel to the skin above the anatomic structure to be studied. Then, a transducer is applied to the skin which sends short pulses of ultrasound waves through the body. The transducer is moved around and an image of various organs appears on a television monitor. For pelvic and prostate exams, special transducers are used for more detailed evaluation of these structures. The sonographer then electronically stores the images considered to be the most diagnostically useful. 

Ultrasound at Sharp HealthCare
Sharp HealthCare offers ultrasound examinations at the Sharp Memorial Outpatient Pavilion. Sharp sonographers have extensive training and experience, and are certified by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS). All ARDMS sonographers are required to stay on the cutting edge of ultrasound technology and patient care skills through continuing medical education.

For More Information
To learn more about Sharp's radiology and diagnostic imaging services or to find a Sharp-affiliated doctor, search for a San Diego radiologist or call 1-800-82-SHARP (1-800-827-4277), Monday through Friday, 8 am to 6 pm. To find general information about radiology, visit Radiology in Adult Health or read the Radiology News archive.