ULTRASOUND

Ultrasound is a diagnostic imaging system that uses ultrasound waves and is based on the principle of echo emission and transmission of ultrasonic waves. This method is considered as a basic examination compared to more complex techniques such as the CT scan and MRI.
The ultrasounds used are higher than 20 MHz. These waves are generated by a crystal inserted in a probe which is held in direct contact with the patient’s skin, interposed by a
special gel that allows ultrasounds to penetrate the body area examined. The same probe collects the return signal that is appropriately elaborated by a computer and displayed on a monitor screen.
Ultrasound is, in any case, an operator-dependent procedure which requires a specific set of skills, mainly manual and observation skills as well as image familiarity and clinical training.
The main body areas examinable by ultrasound are: