Ultrasound and sonography are often used interchangeably to refer to a diagnostic medical procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the inside of the body. However, there is actually a subtle difference between the two terms.
Ultrasound refers to the type of imaging technology that uses sound waves to create images of the inside of the body. It works by emitting high-frequency sound waves, which bounce off the organs and tissues inside the body and return to a transducer that is placed on the surface of the skin. The transducer then converts the returning sound waves into electrical signals, which are processed by a computer to create an image of the inside of the body. Ultrasound is a non-invasive, painless, and safe way to visualize the inside of the body, and it is commonly used to examine a variety of organs and systems, including the heart, blood vessels, muscles, tendons, and joints.
Sonography, on the other hand, refers to the process of using ultrasound to produce images of the inside of the body and perform a diagnostic examination. A sonographer is a medical professional who is trained to operate the ultrasound equipment and interpret the images produced by the procedure. Sonographers work closely with doctors and other healthcare providers to use ultrasound to diagnose and monitor various medical conditions, including pregnancy, cancer, heart disease, and abnormalities in the abdomen, pelvis, and musculoskeletal system.
Overall, the main difference between ultrasound and sonography is that ultrasound is the technology used to create the images, while sonography is the process of using that technology to perform a diagnostic examination. Both terms are often used to refer to the same thing, but understanding the subtle distinction between them can be helpful in understanding the roles and responsibilities of the different professionals involved in the ultrasound process.