Sound Check continued
manager of ultrasound in the Department
of Radiology at Scott & White Healthcare.
Live streaming video
inside the body
Unlike some of the more traditional
radiology imaging that uses ionizing
radiation (X-ray and CT), ultrasound uses
sound waves to produce a diagnostic
image for review. When conducting an
exam, a sonographer uses a handheld
device called a transducer, which emits
sound waves into the skin as it moves over
the area being examined. The sound waves
bounce off organs and return to the
transducer, which sends the signal to the
computer in the ultrasound machine. The
computer converts the signals into an
image on the monitor.
Other radiology modalities, such as
X-rays, computerized tomography (CT)
scans, and magnetic resonance imaging
(MRI), are used in specific cases. They
are like snapshots of the body’s interior
that a radiologist or other specialist
examines later. Unlike MRI and CT,
which predominantly rely on static images
for interpretation, ultrasound captures
images streaming live, just as a video
camera captures live action. These realtime images can be adjusted for differences
in body structure to optimize imaging.
The images can also be displayed as static
images or video clips, depending on what
best portrays the anatomy.
A unique feature of ultrasound is its
portability. Ultrasound can be performed
at the patient’s bedside if needed. CT
and MRI require transportation of
Dr. Rodney Hajdik.
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