What is Ultrasound?

Ultrasound (US) imaging, also called ultrasound scanning or sonography, is a method of "seeing" inside the human body through the use of high-frequency sound waves. The sound waves are recorded and displayed as a real-time visual image. No radiation is involved in ultrasound imaging.

US is a useful way of examining many of the body’s internal organs, including the heart, liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, and bladder. Because US 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.

Millions of expectant parents have seen the first "picture" of their unborn child with pelvic ultrasound examinations of the uterus and fetus. Ultrasound imaging is used extensively for evaluating the eyes, pelvic and abdominal organs, heart, and blood vessels, and can help a physician determine the source of pain, swelling, or infection in many parts of the body. Because US provides real time images, it can also be used to guide procedures such as needle biopsies, in which a needle is used to sample cells from an organ for laboratory testing. Ultrasound is now being used to image the breasts and to guide biopsy of breast cancer. 

How is the Procedure Performed? 

Ultrasound scanners consist of a console containing a computer and electronics, a video display screen and a transducer that is used to scan the body. The transducer is a small hand-held device about the size of a bar of soap, attached to the scanner by a cord. The physician or technologist spreads a lubricating gel on the patient’s abdomen in the area being examined, and then presses the transducer firmly against the skin to obtain images.

The US image is immediately visible on a nearby screen that looks much like a computer or television monitor. The physician or technologist watches this screen during an examination; often, the patient is able to see it as well.

Where is Ultrasound Performed?

Ultrasound is performed at sites across the Calgary Health Region, including Foothills Medical Centre, Rockyview General Hospital, Peter Lougheed Centre and the Alberta Children's Hospital within the City of Calgary, as well as the rural communities of Canmore, High River and Strathmore.

Alternatively, your physician may refer you to a community diagnostic imaging clinic for this test. 

Where can I find out more information about my test?

Please check out our detailed Patient Information Sheet for Ultrasound, or contract your referring physician.