How To Read An Ultrasound

Ultrasound can be used for numerous reasons, from examining a fetus to diagnosing pain, swelling, and infection in the body. It can also be a helpful guide for biopsies or assess any damage after a heart attack. Ultrasound is non-invasive and does not use any radiation.

How Does An Ultrasound Work?

An ultrasound is an examination that uses sound waves to create an image. The image the ultrasound creates is called a sonogram. Ultrasound is a safe imaging method used to see tissue. Sound waves from the probe penetrate the skin, bounce off structures, and return to the probe and CPU. The computer then translates the data and produces an image. Various body tissues conduct sound differently, and some tissues absorb sound waves while others reflect them. The density of the tissue dictates the speed at which the echoes return.

Learning The Colors

Fluid is always black, and tissue is gray. The denser the tissue, the brighter white it will appear. In ultrasound, any bone is bright white. The more that the waves can penetrate something, the darker it appears on the image. Therefore, amniotic fluid and blood will look black on a sonogram. Tissue appears in shades of gray because the sound waves can only penetrate a certain amount.

Image Orientation

Have you ever had an ultrasound done and wondered what you were looking at? First, when looking at a sonogram, start at the top of the image and work your way down. The top is where the probe rests, and the image that you see shows what the organs and tissues look like from the side. For instance, if you were looking at a sonogram of a uterus, the further down the sonogram image you look, you will see the deeper tissues towards the back.

Townsen Memorial Imaging Center in Humble opened its doors in October, making it the third imaging location throughout the Houston area. Townsen offers a wide variety of services operated by skilled medical professionals to provide patients with the best in imaging and patient care. We not only have technological advancements, but we also have a medical team that is always going to put you first.

Townsen Memorial Hospital Is Here For You

At Townsen Memorial, safe, effective, and affordable care is our top priority. Therefore, we strive to provide the best patient experience across all Townsen Memorial affiliated sites. The high-quality care starts at our Emergency Room and carries on through our Imaging Centers, Surgery Centers, and up through our Townsen Memorial Hospital. Our medical sites are located in Houston, TX, and the surrounding areas, to provide the best care to patients in and around Harris County. To learn more, visit our website or call 1-877-494-9487.