Understanding the Difference Between a Sonogram and Ultrasound

Understanding the Difference Between a Sonogram and Ultrasound

Sonogram and ultrasound are two terms that are sometimes used interchangeably. However, they refer to slightly different things. Understanding the distinction can help you better comprehend your test results and medical situation.

Defining Sonogram vs. Ultrasound

A sonogram is an image that is produced during an ultrasound exam. Ultrasound refers to the actual medical test that utilizes sound waves to generate views inside the body.

During an ultrasound, a transducer sends high-frequency sound waves into the body. The sound waves bounce off tissues and organs, and their echoes are converted into images known as sonograms.

So in summary:

• Ultrasound = the medical test using sound waves.
• Sonogram = the images created from those sound waves.

How Ultrasounds Work

Ultrasounds utilize high-frequency sound waves, above the range of human hearing. A device called a transducer converts electrical signals into sound waves by vibrating at frequencies up to several million cycles per second.

The ultrasound technician presses the transducer against your skin and moves it to different areas. As sound waves enter the body, they bounce off tissues and fluid. Sound waves reflect back a unique pattern depending on the density and composition of the tissue.

The returning sound wave echoes are detected by the transducer. These echoes are converted into electrical impulses that a computer transforms into video or photographic images of internal organs. Displaying the echoes as an image is known as a sonogram.

Types of Ultrasound Tests

Some common ultrasound tests include:

• Abdominal ultrasound Checks organs such as the gallbladder, liver, kidneys, pancreas and spleen.
• Obstetric ultrasound Monitors a developing baby in pregnant women.
• Breast ultrasound Examines breast tissue to check for masses, cysts or other abnormalities.
• Carotid ultrasound Looks at carotid arteries in the neck to check blood flow.
• Echocardiogram Uses sound waves to produce images of the heart and check function.

These are some of the most common reasons for an ultrasound test. But there are many other types of ultrasounds depending on the part of the body being examined.

Uses of Ultrasound Imaging

Ultrasound imaging has a wide range of uses in healthcare, including:

• Examining a developing fetus in pregnant women
• Viewing organs in the abdomen including the liver, kidneys, spleen, gallbladder and pancreas
• Finding issues with muscles, ligaments and joints
• Checking organs and blood vessels
• Detecting breast lumps or abnormalities
• Finding problems with blood flow in arteries
• Guiding needles and catheters during biopsies and procedures
• Checking for excess fluid in tissues

Ultrasounds are useful for a wide variety of medical conditions. They provide live, dynamic views of soft tissues that can't be seen adequately on X-rays or CT scans.

Benefits of Ultrasounds

Some advantages of ultrasound imaging include:

• Non-invasive No incisions, implants or injections required.
• Radiation-free Unlike X-rays and CT scans, ultrasounds don't emit ionizing radiation.
• Detailed images Provide clear views of many soft tissues and organs.
• Painless Usually no discomfort during the test.
• Cost-effective Less expensive than some other imaging modalities like MRI.
• Portable Compact machines can be transported to bedsides and operating rooms.

These advantages make ultrasound a preferred first-line imaging test for many medical situations. It often provides sufficient diagnostic information without more expensive or invasive tests.

Interpreting Results of an Ultrasound

Interpreting ultrasound results requires specialized expertise. Radiologists specially trained in ultrasound will analyze the images and send a report to your doctor explaining the findings.

Some examples of what the radiologist may look for include:

• Size, shape and structure of organs
• Presence of masses, cysts or fluid-filled areas
• Any abnormalities or problems with blood flow
• Changes from any prior ultrasounds for comparison

Your doctor will go over the ultrasound report, explain the results, and discuss recommended next steps. Results may be normal, ambiguous, or clearly abnormal in certain diseases.

Normal Findings

A normal ultrasound indicates no issues were seen in the areas imaged. Organs appear typical in size, structure and blood flow. No masses, cysts or fluid accumulation are present.

A normal ultrasound can provide reassurance that certain conditions, like cancer, are likely not present. But it cannot definitively rule out all disorders, as some problems may be missed or develop later.

Unclear Findings

In some cases, the findings may be ambiguous. There might be areas needing further assessment or changes of uncertain significance. It may be unclear if a mass is a cyst or tumor.

When findings are not definitive, the next step may include repeat ultrasounds for follow-up, additional tests like a biopsy, or continued observation.

Abnormal Findings

Abnormal ultrasound findings include detection of masses, cysts, enlarged organs or abnormalities in blood flow. This may indicate problems like gallstones, liver disease, cancer or blood clots.

If significant abnormalities are found, additional imaging or procedures may be recommended. Your doctor will explain concerns noted on the ultrasound and outline an appropriate treatment plan.

Preparing for an Ultrasound

There is little advance preparation needed for most ultrasounds. Here are some tips:

• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.
• Drink plenty of fluids to fill your bladder if a pelvic ultrasound.
• Avoid using lotions or powders on your skin.
• Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled time.
• Tell the technician of any relevant medical history.

Talk to your doctor about any specific instructions to follow. For certain types of ultrasounds, you may need to fast for several hours beforehand.

During the Test

When you arrive for your ultrasound appointment, the technician will explain the test process. You will lie on your back, side or stomach on an exam table, depending on the area being imaged.

The technician will apply a water-based gel to your skin over the area being examined. The gel helps transmit the sound waves. Then the technician will press the transducer firmly against your body and move it to obtain the necessary images.

You may need to change positions during the test to allow better views. The technician may press firmly to get clearer images, which may feel slightly uncomfortable but should not be painful.

Obstetric ultrasounds allowing pregnant women to see their baby are exciting events. But other ultrasounds are serious medical tests, so try to limit guests to only essential individuals like a spouse or parent.

After the Ultrasound

After the imaging is complete, the technician will wipe off the gel from your skin. They will send the images to a radiologist for analysis. The radiologist will forward a report to your physician explaining the ultrasound findings.

Your doctor will then discuss the results with you, including any treatment recommendations. In some cases, additional ultrasounds may be ordered to look for changes over time.

Ultrasound Safety

Ultrasounds are very safe when used prudently by trained professionals. The benefits normally outweigh any minimal risks. Side effects are rare, but can include:

• Overheating of tissues or organs if exposed to ultrasound waves for prolonged periods.
• Formation of extremely small bubbles in bodily fluids when exposed to the acoustic energy.

Technicians are careful to avoid overexposing tissues to ultrasounds. Cases of tissue damage or detrimental effects are extremely uncommon at diagnostic energy levels.

Ultrasounds During Pregnancy

Some people worry about the safety of prenatal ultrasounds. But extensive research has generally found them to be perfectly safe for both the mother and developing baby when used prudently.

Pregnant women should voice any concerns to their doctor and ultrasound technician. But they can typically relax knowing ultrasounds pose little to no risk during pregnancy when protocols are followed.

Long-Term Effects

Currently, there is no definitive evidence showing ultrasounds cause long-term harm. However, the potential impacts of extensive ultrasounds over decades have not been carefully studied.

For this reason, healthcare practitioners aim to use diagnostic ultrasounds only when medically beneficial, rather than for nonessential purposes.

When Are Ultrasounds Recommended?

Your physician will determine if an ultrasound is appropriate based on your symptoms and medical history. In some cases they are used to:

• Screen for issues in the abdomen, pelvis, heart, eyes or arteries
• Follow-up an abnormality found on X-ray, CT or MRI
• Assess causes of pain, swelling or infection
• Guide needles for biopsy or fluid aspiration
• Check the status of a mass during or after treatment
• Monitor fetal development and well-being

Talk to your doctor about whether an ultrasound makes sense for your situation. The results often provide valuable insights, but alternative tests may be recommended depending on the suspected condition.

When to Get a Second Opinion

Most of the time, ultrasound results are straightforward. But in certain cases, it may be wise to pursue a second opinion, such as:

• Results are ambiguous and unclear if follow-up is needed
• You have unexpected or unusual ultrasound findings
• There is disagreement among doctors about the interpretation
• Your health is rapidly deteriorating and ultrasound results did not find a cause
• You have strong reservations or discomfort about the initial ultrasound results

A second opinion from another radiologist or doctor may provide added insights and increase confidence and clarity regarding your ultrasound results.

Takeaways on Sonograms and Ultrasounds

Ultrasounds utilize sound waves to generate diagnostic images called sonograms. They are safe, non-invasive and helpful for evaluating many medical conditions.

Work with your doctor to determine if an ultrasound is appropriate for your situation. While the results are not definitive in all cases, they provide valuable information to guide healthcare decisions and detect potential problems.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.