Ultrasound

ultrasound /ul·tra·sound/ (ul´trah-sound)

1. sound waves of a frequency greater than 20,000 Hz.

2. ultrasonography.

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ul·tra·sound (ltr-sound)

n. Abbr. U/S

1. Ultrasonic sound.

2. The use of ultrasonic waves for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, specifically to visualize an internal body structure, monitor a developing fetus, or generate localized deep heat to the tissues.

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Ultrasound

A non-invasive procedure based on changes in sound waves of a frequency that cannot be heard, but respond to changes in tissue composition. It requires no preparation and no radiation occurs. It has become the "gold standard" for diagnosis of stones in the gallbladder, but is less accurate in diagnosing stones in the bile ducts. Gallstones as small as 2 mm can be identified. The procedure can now also be done through an endoscope, greatly improving investigation of the bile ducts.

Mentioned in: Amniocentesis, Antenatal Testing, Antepartum Testing, Bile Duct Cancer, Cholangitis, Chorionic Villus Sampling, Doppler Ultrasonography, Echinococcosis, Echocardiography, Edwards' Syndrome, Fever of Unknown Origin, Gallbladder Cancer, Gallbladder x Rays, Lithotripsy, Maternal to Fetal Infections, Naturopathic Medicine, Patau Syndrome, Prenatal Surgery, Situs Inversus, Transesophageal Echocardiography

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ultrasound,

n 1., a diagnostic radiology technique that uses sound waves to image internal body structures.
2., a machine that applies heat to injured tissue to relieve pain and encourage healing. Used in physical therapy and rehabilitation.

Ultrasound: image of a fetus in the second trimester.

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ultrasound

mechanical radiant energy of a frequency greater than 20,000 cycles per second; used in veterinary medicine in the technique of ultrasonography.

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ultrasound artifacts

see artifact.