Radiology & Imaging: Ultrasound
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'Seeing' Sound Waves... 
Ultrasound is the examination of the internal organs using high-frequency sound waves. If a Doppler ultrasound is performed, the doctor is able to see blood flow in major blood vessels.
Ultrasounds produce real-time images of soft tissue and can capture movement of internal organs. Therefore, it is used to visualize and diagnose problems inside the abdominal cavity.
A diagnostic ultrasound is most often performed for the following reasons:
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To diagnose an injury or disease of the liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, or organs inside the abdomen
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To help determine the cause of abdominal pain
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To identify gallbladder or kidney stones
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To assess for tumors, cysts, abscesses, or other masses in the abdominal organs
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To help determine why an internal organ is enlarged
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To examine a pregnant uterus and the fetus within
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To evaluate the aorta for the presence of an aneurysm
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To assess a spleen injury
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To evaluate liver disease or pancreatitis
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To locate a foreign object in the abdomen, such as a bullet
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To identify abdominal/uterine bleeding
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To examine enlarged thyroid/goiter
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To determine cause of abnormal lab values
An ultrasound is not invasive and not painful. An ultrasound can take 30-60 minutes.
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