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Ultrasound is a scan that uses high frequency sound waves to study internal body structures. It is a commonly used to study the developing foetus, abdominal organs, pelvic organs and breast tissue, the heart and blood vessels. Other names for an ultrasound scan include sonogram and ultrasonography.
The ultrasound scan sends out high frequency sound waves, directed at the internal body part being examined. The reflected sounds, or ‘echoes’, are recorded to create an image that can be viewed on a monitor. The sound waves are emitted (put out) from a small, hand-held probe. The high frequency of the sound means the human ear can’t hear it.
An ultrasound scan is usually non-invasive. Some scans are done with a special probe that is inserted into the vagina (for example, for special obstetric examinations), the rectum (for special prostate examinations) or the oesophagus (for special heart examinations).
Different uses of the ultrasound scan
An ultrasound scan is commonly used in the following instances:
- Abdominal scan – may be used to investigate abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, abnormal sounds and lumps. Structures that may be examined include the gallbladder, bile ducts, liver, pancreas, spleen, kidneys and large blood vessels. Structures that contain air (such as the stomach and bowels) can’t be examined easily by ultrasound because air prevents the transfer of sound waves emitted by the scanner.
- Pelvic scan – may be performed if a woman is suffering pain during sex or has abnormal periods, fibroids, cysts or other conditions associated with the female reproductive system.
- Pregnancy scan – used to check for foetal abnormalities (such as spina bifida), check the age and sex of the foetus, and monitor foetal growth and development. An ultrasound scan during pregnancy is now considered routine in Australia.
- Other uses of ultrasound scan – bladder and urethral scans (to check for a condition called diverticulum), breast scans (to further investigate an abnormality picked up by physical examination or mammogram) and a scan of the eye (to check its internal structures). A special type of ultrasound scan, called a Doppler ultrasound, is sometimes used to detect the speed and direction of blood flow in certain regions of the body.
Medical issues to consider
Some ultrasound examinations require special preparation beforehand. For example:
- You may be asked not to eat for a few hours before an upper abdominal scan.
- Some pelvic examinations require you to have a full bladder before the scan.
You will need to ask your doctor or the ultrasound department if special preparation is required for your scan.
Ultrasound procedure
If you are having an upper abdomen ultrasound, you will be asked to lie down on an examination table or bed. A gel is rubbed on your skin to provide better contact between your body and the ultrasound probe. The ultrasound technologist, known as a sonographer, then places the hand-held probe on the body surface above the area of the body, organ or tissue to be studied.
The two-dimensional (or sometimes three-dimensional) pictures are shown instantly on a monitor.
A slightly different procedure may be needed for other types of ultrasound. For example, a female patient undergoing an investigation of her reproductive system may have a transvaginal scan, which involves inserting a special ultrasound probe into her vagina rather than scanning through the front of the pelvis.
Immediately after the ultrasound
An ultrasound scan usually takes around 15 to 20 minutes. After the procedure, you will be given paper towels (or something similar) to wipe off the gel. You can then get dressed. The results of the ultrasound scan are usually sent to your doctor, so you will have to make a follow-up appointment with them to get the results.
Possible complications
The ultrasound scan is considered a safe and generally non-invasive procedure and does not involve the use of x-rays.
Taking care of yourself at home
The scan itself is painless, drug free and generally non-invasive, so there is no ‘recovery time’ needed. You can go about your normal business as soon as you’ve finished the scan.
Long-term outlook
Treatment – if any – depends on the reason for your scan. For example, fibroids detected during the scan may be surgically removed (myomectomy), shrunk with drugs (including hormones) or simply monitored. Other conditions detected by ultrasound scan, such as abdominal masses, may need further tests or exploratory surgery.
Other types of scans
Other types of diagnostic scanning devices include:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) – an advanced diagnostic imaging process that produces three-dimensional pictures of the body, by combining a strong magnetic field and radio waves.
- Computed tomography scan (CT scan) – uses x-rays and digital computer technology to create an image of internal structures of the body.
Where to get help
- Your doctor
- Ultrasound departments
Things to remember
- Ultrasound is a scan used to study internal body structures.
- It works by sending out (emitting) high frequency sound waves, directed at the tissue being examined, and recording the reflected sound or ‘echoes’ to create an image.
- The ultrasound scan is considered a safe and generally non-invasive procedure.
- Common reasons for ultrasound scanning include investigations of the abdominal and pelvic organs and to check foetal development during pregnancy.
You might also be interested in:
CT scan.
EEG test.
Kidney disease - tests.
Kidneys - polycystic kidney disease.
MRI scan.
PET scan.
X-ray examinations.
Want to know more?
Go to More information for support groups, related links and references.
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This page has been produced in consultation with, and approved by:
Monash University - Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences
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Copyight © 1999/2009 State of Victoria. Reproduced from the Better Health Channel (www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au) at no cost with permission of the Victorian Minister for Health. Unauthorised reproduction and other uses comprised in the copyright are prohibited without permission.
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This Better Health Channel fact sheet has passed through a rigorous approval process. For the latest updates and more information visit www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au.
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Last updated: April 2009
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Ultrasound scan - Better Health Channel
Ultrasound is a scan used to study internal body structures. Ultrasound scans work by sending out high frequency sound waves and recording the reflected sound or 'echoes' to create an image. Ultrasound is commonly used to study the developing foetus, abdominal organs, pelvic organs and breast tissue, the heart and blood vessels. Other names for an ultrasound scan include sonogram and ultrasonography. ..
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Ultrasound scan - Better Health ChannelUltrasound is a scan used to study internal body structures. Ultrasound scans work by sending out high frequency sound waves and recording the reflected sound or 'echoes' to create an image. Ultrasound is commonly used to study the developing foetus, abdominal organs, pelvic organs and breast tissue, the heart and blood vessels. Other names for an ultrasound scan include sonogram and ultrasonography. ..
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The information published here was accurate at the time of publication and is not intended to take the place of medical advice. Please seek advice from a qualified health care professional.
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