You don’t have to be pregnant to have a general ultrasound. In fact, men, women, and even children undergo this procedure as well. The terms “ultrasound” and “sonogram” are often used interchangeably—but a sonogram is the result of an ultrasound. So, the medical procedure, called a general ultrasound produces an image known as a sonogram.
What is a general ultrasound?
During an ultrasound small microphone-like transducers generate high-frequency sound waves to produce digital images of internal body structures (called sonograms) which are then used to monitor and/or diagnose various medical conditions.
Ultrasound is quick, painless, and safe for nearly everyone because unlike X-Rays, no radiation is emitted.
Why would someone need a general ultrasound?
Ultrasound technology allows a doctor to ‘see inside you’ without making an incision. Ultrasounds are used for everything ranging from identifying the source of pain, swelling, and/or infection to diagnosing and monitoring pregnancy.
Bergen Imaging Center offers the following general ultrasounds:
- Abdominal ultrasound
- Renal and bladder ultrasound
- First trimester obstetrical (OB) ultrasound
- Thyroid ultrasound
- Scrotal ultrasound
What are the advantages of general ultrasound?
In general, ultrasound has a number of advantages over comparable procedures.
- Ultrasound is a non-invasive, needle-free procedure.
- Ultrasound is quick and painless.
- Ultrasound doesn’t expose patients to radiation.
- Ultrasound captures soft tissue that doesn’t show up on X-Rays.
- General ultrasound technology is widely accessible.
- General ultrasound costs less than similar procedures.