Diagnostic ultrasound is an established method of diagnostic medical imaging using a high-frequency sound wave and the principle of sonar to create an image. It is a reliable, cost-effective means of evaluating many internal organs, including the liver, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, aorta, gallbladder, ovaries, uterus, prostate, testicles, and thyroid. It is routinely used to evaluate fetal growth and complications of pregnancy.
Since ultrasound images are captured in real-time, they can show movement of internal tissues and organs, and enable physicians to see blood flow and heart valve functions. This can help to diagnose a variety of heart conditions and to assess damage after a heart attack or other illness.
Diagnostic ultrasound is very patient friendly — there are no injections, it does not use ionizing radiation (or x-rays), and the ultrasonic waves cause no damage to human tissues. This type of test is therefore considered a very safe imaging technique and is an important tool utilized for both diagnosis and treatment of disease.