What does an ultrasound test use to produce images?

An ultrasound test utilizes low-frequency sound waves to produce images of internal structures within the body. This non-invasive imaging technique works by emitting sound waves through a transducer, which then reflects off various tissues and organs. The echoes from these waves are captured and converted into images, allowing healthcare providers to visualize and assess conditions within the body.

Unlike X-rays, which use ionizing radiation to generate images of structures, ultrasound is safe and does not involve radiation exposure. Similarly, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) relies on magnetic fields and radio waves, while positron emission tomography (PET) scans utilize radioactive tracers to visualize metabolic processes. Thus, the distinctive characteristic of ultrasound is its use of sound waves to create real-time images, making it an important tool in diagnostics, especially in obstetrics, cardiology, and various other medical fields.