An ultrasound scan, also referred to as a sonogram, diagnostic sonography, and ultrasonography, is a device that uses high frequency sound waves to create an image of some part of the inside of the body, such as the stomach, liver, heart, tendons, muscles, joints and blood vessels.
Ultrasound does not use x-rays and is very safe. Obstetric sonography is frequently used to check the baby in the womb.
Ultrasound scans are used to detect problems in the liver, heart, kidney or the abdomen. They may also be useful in helping the surgeon when carrying out some types of biopsies.
For more information on ultrasounds please visit http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/submenu.cfm?pg=ultrasound