For many of us, medical terminology can be confusing. When you are scheduled for an exam, such as an ultrasound or a sonogram, they might sound like they are the same thing. However, ultrasounds and sonograms are two different parts of the same medical test.
An ultrasound exam is a procedure that uses sound waves beyond the range humans can hear to create images of soft tissues inside the body, helping healthcare providers diagnose or rule out several conditions. It is noninvasive, painless, and doesn’t use radiation.
An ultrasound can spot growths or abnormalities inside your body and can also clearly show and measure fluids.
Healthcare providers will use ultrasound exams to view:
- Breast lumps and cysts
- Muscles and tendons
- Blood flow in your arms, neck, and legs
- Abdominal organs, including your gallbladder, liver, pancreas, and spleen
- Your urinary system, including your bladder and kidneys
- Pelvic organs such as your ovaries, prostate, and uterus
- Fluids, such as amniotic fluid during a pregnancy or urine in your bladder
An ultrasound can’t see everything, as it is usually not the best test for viewing bones, which block sound waves. Ultrasounds also can’t see structures inside your joints, such as cartilage.
Healthcare providers don’t just use ultrasound as a standalone medical exam. They also use it to guide minimally invasive procedures, such as breast biopsy.
A sonogram is a real-time, moving image created by an ultrasound machine. It can be printed, saved digitally, or used to show organs, soft tissues, blood flow, or a developing baby. Sonograms will be viewed and interpreted by a radiologist who will send a report to your referring healthcare provider with a diagnosis or other information based on your results. A healthcare provider will then study and review the sonogram images and video loops to detect abnormalities, monitor health conditions, and support treatment planning. These images help healthcare providers explain findings clearly and give patients a better understanding of their medical care.
Understanding the difference between an ultrasound and a sonogram helps patients navigate medical imaging more confidently. Both are safe, noninvasive, and widely used in medical diagnostics.
The Flushing Hospital Department of Radiology offers a wide variety of advanced, state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging services. To schedule an appointment, call 718-670-5458. To schedule an appointment for an MRI or learn more about the MRI, please call 718-670-8851.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.