Despite today’s sophisticated, high-tech systems, ultrasound remains a science built upon the simple sound wave. By beaming high-frequency sound waves into the body, physicians can translate the “echoes” that bounce off body tissues and organs into “sound you can see,” colorful, visual images that provide valuable medical information. Heart disease, stroke, abnormalities in the abdomen or reproductive system, and more – all exhibit telltale signs that ultrasound can help to detect.
Safe, affordable and non-invasive, ultrasound is also portable. Very sick or fragile patients, for example, who might not be able to travel to a radiology lab without risking further injury, can essentially have the lab wheeled to them. That’s an important advantage when you need to conduct an exam on a grandmother who is bedridden or an incubator-bound premature baby. For half a century now, ultrasound has been there to help families and their doctors determine what’s wrong-or not-with the body and determine the best, most effective means possible to get and stay healthy.