In this Article

• Introduction
• What is an ultrasound?
• What is ultrasonography?
• For what purposes are ultrasounds used?
• Diagnostic uses
• Screening uses
• Therapeutic uses
• What are the risks of ultrasound?
• How do patients prepare for an ultrasound?
• How are the results of ultrasound interpreted and communicated to the physician?
• Ultrasound Index

How are the results of ultrasound interpreted and communicated to the physician?

The ultrasound is generally performed by a technician. The technician will notice preliminary structures and may point out several of these structures during the examination. The official reading of the ultrasound is given by a radiologist, a physician who is an expert at interpreting ultrasound images. The radiologist records the interpretation and transmits it to the practitioner requesting the test. Occasionally, during the ultrasound test the radiologist will ask questions of the patient and/or perform an examination in order to further define the purpose for which the test is ordered, or to clarify preliminary findings.

Plain x-rays might be ordered to further evaluate early findings.

A summary of results of all of the above is reported to the health care practitioner who requested the ultrasound. They then are discussed with the patient in the context of overall health status.

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• CT Scan (Computerized Axial Tomography) - CT Scan (Computerized Axial Tomography, CAT scan) is a procedure that assists in diagnosing tumors, fractures, bony structures, and infections in the organs and tissues of the body.
• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI In Adults) - Learn about urinary tract infection causes, symptoms, signs, diagnosis and treatment of UTIs in men and women. Antibiotics may be used to treat recurrent bladder infections.
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scan) - Medical information on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) used in detecting structural abnormalities of the body. Learn uses, risks, and how to prepare for an MRI scan

Read more Ultrasound related articles »

Latest Medical News

• Waiting, Wondering About Radiology Results Irks Patients
• New Treatment May Beat Melanoma
• Surgery Best for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ultrasound Eyebrow Lift Device OK'd