Ultrasound: What It Can (and Cannot) Show

Ultrasound is one of the most commonly performed imaging exams — and for good reason. It's safe, painless, uses no radiation, and can visualize a remarkable range of conditions in real time.

Ultrasound examination in progress

How Ultrasound Works

Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves that bounce off internal structures to create real-time images. A small handheld transducer is placed on your skin with a thin layer of gel, and images appear instantly on the monitor.

Because there's no radiation involved, ultrasound is safe for pregnant women, children, and repeated follow-up exams.

What Ultrasound Can Show

Abdominal Ultrasound

• Gallstones and gallbladder disease
• Liver conditions (fatty liver, cirrhosis, masses)
• Kidney stones and kidney disease
• Pancreatic abnormalities
• Abdominal aortic aneurysm

Pelvic Ultrasound

• Ovarian cysts and masses
• Uterine fibroids
• Endometrial abnormalities
• Bladder conditions

Thyroid Ultrasound

• Thyroid nodules (solid vs. cystic)
• Thyroid size and structure
• Guidance for fine-needle aspiration biopsy

Vascular Ultrasound (Doppler)

• Carotid artery disease (stroke risk)
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT / blood clots)
• Peripheral artery disease
• Blood flow assessment in organs

Pregnancy Ultrasound

• Confirming pregnancy and due date
• Monitoring fetal growth and development
• Checking placenta position
• Detecting certain birth defects

What Ultrasound Cannot Show Well

Bone and lung: Sound waves don't penetrate bone or air-filled lung well. CT or X-ray is better.

Deep structures in large patients: Body habitus can limit image quality.

Brain (in adults): The skull blocks sound waves. MRI or CT is needed.

Bowel detail: Gas in the intestines scatters sound waves. CT is far superior.

Watch this educational video about ultrasound imaging technology.

Preparing for Your Ultrasound

Abdominal ultrasound: Fast for 8-12 hours before the exam.

Pelvic ultrasound: You may need a full bladder. Drink 32 oz of water one hour before.

Thyroid/vascular: Usually no special preparation needed.

What to Expect

1. You'll lie on an exam table in a dimly lit room
2. Warm gel is applied to the area being examined
3. The technologist moves the transducer across your skin
4. The exam typically takes 20-45 minutes
5. Results are sent to your physician in 48–72 hours

Wondering about price? Our guide to how much an ultrasound costs without insurance lists AMI's self-pay rates by exam type.

Ready to book? Learn more about ultrasound at AMI in Seminole, schedule online, or call (727) 398-5999 to schedule your ultrasound.