The sound waves are sent through body tissues with a device called a transducer. The transducer is placed directly on top of the skin which has a gel applied to the surface. These echoes return to the transducer and are transmitted electrically onto a viewing monitor. The echo images are then recorded on a plane film and can also be recorded on video tape. After the ultrasound, the gel is easily wiped removed.
Ultrasound testing is painless and harmless.
Ultrasound tests involve no radiation and studies have not revealed any adverse effects. Ultrasound examinations can be used in various areas of the body for a variety of purposes. These purposes range from examinations of the chest, abdomen, blood vessels, and evaluation of pregnancy. In the chest, ultrasound can be used to obtain detailed images of the size and function of the heart. Ultrasound is also commonly used to examine internal structures of the abdomen.