Ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging test that uses high-intensity sound waves to create images of structures within the body. It is used for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Diagnostic ultrasound is used to image internal structures and provide valuable information for diagnosing and directing treatment for a variety of diseases and conditions. It is commonly used to examine abdominal and pelvic organs, muscles and tendons, the heart and blood vessels, and to check fetal development during pregnancy. Ultrasound is also used to guide invasive procedures like a biopsy of a persons breast or thyroid gland. Therapeutic ultrasound is used to treat certain medical conditions.

Some common uses of ultrasound include:

• Pregnancy: Ultrasound is used to check the size, position, heart rate, and age of the unborn baby, and to screen for genetic disorders and birth defects.
• Abdominal scans: Ultrasound may be used to investigate abdominal organs.
• Musculoskeletal system: Ultrasound can be used to examine muscles, tendons, and joints.
• Heart and blood vessels: Ultrasound can be used to examine the heart and blood vessels.
• Eyes: Ultrasound can be used to examine the eyes.
• Thyroid and parathyroid glands: Ultrasound can be used to examine the thyroid and parathyroid glands.
• Scrotum: Ultrasound can be used to examine the testicles.
• Brain and spine in infants: Ultrasound can be used to examine the brain and spine in infants.

Ultrasound is a safe and widely available imaging method that does not use radiation. However, it has limitations. Sound waves do not travel well through air or bone, so ultrasound is not effective at imaging body parts that have gas in them or are hidden by bone, such as the lungs or head. Ultrasound may also be unable to see objects that are located very deep in the human body. In these cases, other imaging tests such as CT or MRI scans or X-rays may be ordered.