How Do Ultrasounds Work? We Take You Behind the Scenes

If you have an upcoming ultrasound appointment, you probably have questions, such as: How do ultrasounds work? What do they reveal? And how long will it take to get my results? The good news is, ultrasounds are a common, safe and noninvasive imaging test. Understanding how they work and what to expect can help you feel more confident, prepared and at ease for your appointment. 

In this article, we’ll explain how ultrasound imaging tests work, conditions they detect, and when you can expect to get your results.

Whether you have seasonal allergies, a chronic health condition, require diagnostic services or simply need to schedule your annual wellness exam, our internal medicine physicians are here to support you. For more than 50 years, we’ve been providing expert, compassionate care to the Raleigh community and we would love to help you live the healthiest life possible. We invite you to contact us to schedule an appointment.

How Do Ultrasounds Work?

An ultrasound is a medical imaging test that uses safe, high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images of structures inside your body. Unlike tests such as CT scans or X-rays, an ultrasound does not use radiation. 

During an ultrasound exam:

• You will lie on a table, and a clear gel will be applied to the area of your body being examined.
• A handheld device called a transducer will be moved over this area. The gel helps the transducer transmit the sound waves.
• Images captured appear on a monitor. 
• The images are interpreted by your physician.

You may receive instructions beforehand based on the type of scan you’re having. For example, fasting before an abdominal ultrasound or arriving with a full bladder for a pelvic or urinary ultrasound.

Ultrasound exams are noninvasive and usually painless. Most exams are completed within 15–60 minutes, depending on the reason for the scan.

What Are Common Uses for Ultrasounds?

Ultrasound imaging is versatile and can be used to help diagnose, monitor and guide treatment for several conditions. 

Common uses for ultrasounds include:

• Monitoring pregnancy 
• Evaluating breast tissue
• Checking the thyroid gland
• Evaluating the heart and blood vessels
• Identifying fluid buildup or inflammation
• Monitoring blood flow through arteries and veins
• Assessing muscles, tendons, ligaments and soft tissues 
• Examining internal organs such as the liver, kidneys, gallbladder, pancreas and spleen
• Guiding medical procedures including biopsies, injections, catheter placements and other minimally invasive treatments 

What Conditions Can Ultrasounds Detect?

Ultrasounds can detect and monitor several medical conditions and health concerns including:

• Pregnancy complications
• Fetal growth and development
• Cysts, masses, and abnormal growths or tissue changes 
• Blood vessel problems, such as blood clots, reduced circulation or narrowed arteries
• Musculoskeletal issues like tendon injuries, ligament problems or soft tissue inflammation
• Gallbladder and kidney issues such as gallstones, kidney stones and blockages that affect urine flow
• Liver and abdominal conditions such as enlarged organs, fluid accumulation or other abnormalities 

An ultrasound may be the first step in the diagnostic process. Depending on what we find, we may recommend additional imaging tests such as an MRI or CT scan if we need greater detail to confirm a diagnosis. 

Are Ultrasounds Safer Than X-Rays and MRIs?

Ultrasounds are considered very safe. Unlike X-rays, these imaging tests use harmless sound waves rather than ionizing radiation. 

While the technology used in MRIs doesn’t cause long-term harm or radiation damage, the MRI machine can heat up metal implants or interfere with medical devices like pacemakers.

X-rays:

• Use radiation to create images
• Are preferred when evaluating dense structures like your bones and joints
• Take 5–10 minutes

MRIs:

• Use strong magnetic fields and radio waves to provide highly detailed images of soft tissues and internal structures
• Do not expose patients to radiation
• Take 15–60 minutes

While each type of imaging test has its advantages, ultrasound is often recommended first because it’s:

• Safe and effective
• Noninvasive
• Relatively budget-friendly 
• Widely available

Another advantage of ultrasound is its ability to capture dynamic, real-time images, which allows us to provide immediate diagnostic feedback.

The kind of imaging test you have will depend on your specific symptoms, health condition and the part of the body being examined. 

How Long Do Ultrasound Results Take?

While ultrasound images are captured during your exam, you usually won’t get your results right away. 

For routine diagnostic scans, you may receive your results within 24 to 72 hours. If you had more complex scans or your scans need additional review, it may take up to a week. Urgent findings may be shared more quickly. 

Your images will first be reviewed by a radiologist or other qualified specialist. They’ll interpret the findings then send a report to your doctor. Your doctor will discuss your results with you and recommend next steps.

Raleigh Medical Group Offers In-Office Ultrasound Services

Whether you’re preparing for a pregnancy ultrasound, an abdominal scan or another type of imaging test, in most cases, your exam will be quick and straightforward and provide us with valuable information to help guide diagnosis, treatment and ongoing care decisions.

For more than 50 years, we’ve been providing expert, compassionate care to Triangle area residents to help them live their healthiest lives and we would welcome the chance to care for you. We invite you to contact us to schedule an appointment.