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.

Why it's done

MY00308

Dec. 29, 2007

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