People often make a common mistake, which is to believe that both a sonogram and an ultrasound mean the same thing. These terms used interchangeably, are actually quite distinct. Let’s have a quick survey of the most obvious differences between both:
- An ultrasound is a technological means manipulated to take pictures
- A sonogram is the product of an ultrasound; a picture
To give a small metaphor, we can talk about ultrasound as a producer, while the sonogram is the end product of its labor.
When we talk about sonography, we refer to the use of ultrasound as a tool for certain diagnostic reasons. Now that you know the basics, let’s dive a bit more into what each concept entails.
What is an Ultrasound?
We already said that sonography is the use of ultrasound as a tool. The purposes of manipulating an ultrasound are always diagnostic in nature. It’s remarked that sonography is a noninvasive process.
Sonography is possible thanks to the use of high-frequency soundwaves. These are simply called ultrasound waves. These high-frequency soundwaves are capable of elaborating intricate images of not only organs, but also blood vessels, muscles, and hemodynamic processes within the body.
After examining the body using ultrasound waves, the ultrasound is capable of producing a sonogram, also known as ultrasonogram, which is, in short, a visual image that is created in the examination process.
What is Sonography Exactly?
Medical sonographers are people capable of manipulating ultrasound diagnostic imaging technology, which is just a long and technical name to refer to sonography. Sonographers support doctors in their diagnoses of illnesses thanks to the detailed pictures they can produce through the use of high-frequency soundwaves.
How Does it Work?
If you don’t know how ultrasounds work, they are ultrasound waves that are beamed inside the body. After they are beamed, these high-frequency waves echo off tissue and organs. These echoes then produce electrical signals, which are then decoded by a computer and transformed into images of the tissues and organs that were analyzed.
Types of Ultrasound Technology
- Doppler ultrasound: is generally used to measure and visualize hemodynamic processes both within the heart and blood vessels as well.
- Bone sonography: helps physicians and sonographers know the density of bones within our bodies.
- Elastography: can highlight the differences between healthy tissue and tumors.
- Therapeutic ultrasound: is generally used for the purpose of heating or also breaking up certain tissues.
Do you need a Sonogram?
If your doctor says you need a sonogram, then you can resort to Vital Imaging. We’re a Diagnostic Center you can trust to help you with your sonogram. Our center has a professional staff that’s highly trained in several types of imaging technologies such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), digital X-rays, and of course, sonograms.
Our team is committed to offering the best services using leading-edge technology and providing exceptional patient care. If you have questions you may reach us at 305.596.9992.