Ultrasound

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Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

Ultrasound examination, also called sonography or diagnostic medical sonography, is an imaging method that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce precise images of structures within your body. The images produced through ultrasound examination often provide information that's valuable in diagnosing and treating a variety of diseases and conditions.

Most ultrasound examinations are doing using a sonar device outside of your body, though some ultrasound examinations involve placing a device inside your body.

Despite its valuable uses, ultrasound can't provide images of all areas of your body. But there are several other imaging tests.

MY00308

Dec. 29, 2007

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