Sonogram vs Ultrasound: Understanding the Key Differences

Introduction

In order to gain an image of the internal body organs without invasive procedures. However, you might have heard the terms ultrasound and sonogram. But do you know the difference between a sonogram vs ultrasound?

This guide clears the differences between sonogram vs ultrasound. So, give it a read.

Sonogram vs Ultrasound-What is the Difference?

Let us understand the basic sonogram vs ultrasound difference. Let us tell you that an ultrasound is the procedure while a sonogram is the result.

Terminology: The term ultrasound refers to the sound waves used to create the images. On the other hand, a sonogram relates to the image that results from the procedure.

Technology vs Image: Ultrasound describes the technology and method used to visualize internal structures. A sonogram describes the actual image produced. This image can be printed or viewed on a screen.

Medical Usage: Doctors and healthcare providers typically use the term ultrasound when discussing the procedure or technology. On the other hand, a sonogram is more commonly used to refer to the results, especially in fields like obstetrics, where patients may take home pictures of their unborn baby.

Ultrasound vs Sonogram: Which is Better?

Dr. Parlade says that sonogram and ultrasound belong to the same medical test although are different parts of it.

So, there is nothing better or worse in sonogram vs ultrasound. Ultrasound refers to the sound waves used in the medical test while a sonogram is the image created after the ultrasound test.

Dr. Parlade further clarifies it by saying that think of the ultrasound machine as your camera and the image you get as the result is the sonogram.

What is Ultrasound?

An ultrasound is a medical imaging technique that makes use of high-frequency sound waves that help create images inside the body. The sound waves are forced inside the body and reflect off the organs and tissues. The main thing is these reflected sound waves that are later captured and translated into real-time images. It allows doctors to assess various conditions without having to perform surgeries or biopsies.

There are different types of ultrasound imaging, including:

  • 2D Ultrasound: The standard method, producing flat, two-dimensional images.
  • 3D Ultrasound: Captures three-dimensional images of organs or fetuses.
  • Doppler Ultrasound: Measures blood flow through vessels.

What can an ultrasound detect?

Ultrasounds can collect images of soft tissues inside your body. Most of the time people think that ultrasounds are only used for pregnancy, however, they have widespread applications like kidney imaging. Moreover, it can help detect abnormalities inside the body and also measure fluids.

What is a Sonogram?

The image you get as a result of ultrasound is the sonogram. Simply put, while the ultrasound is the technique or procedure, the sonogram is the actual image or record created during the scan.

For example, when a pregnant woman undergoes an ultrasound scan, the printed image showing her developing baby is a sonogram. The machine performs an ultrasound, and the result of that process is the sonogram. This distinction is crucial in understanding the sonogram vs ultrasound difference because it helps patients and medical professionals use the correct terminology when discussing diagnostic imaging.

What is a sonogram used for?

A sonogram is used for almost the same reasons as that of ultrasound. Most often people demand a printout of their pregnancy results.

Types of Ultrasound Procedures and the Sonograms They Produce

Ultrasound technology is incredibly versatile, and physicians can recommend it for multiple diagnostic purposes. Moreover, each type of ultrasound can result in a different type of sonogram:

Prenatal Ultrasound

Perhaps the most well-known use of ultrasound is during pregnancy. Here, sound waves are used to monitor the baby’s development. The resulting sonogram is used to check the baby’s size, health, and position.

Cardiac Ultrasound (Echocardiogram)

This procedure uses ultrasound technology to create images of the heart. The resulting sonogram helps doctors assess heart function, detect blockages, and identify heart disease.

Abdominal Ultrasound

This is used to visualize organs like the liver, gallbladder, spleen, and kidneys. The sonogram can reveal abnormalities such as cysts, tumors, or blockages.

Musculoskeletal Ultrasound

This type focuses on joints, muscles, and tendons to identify issues like sprains, tears, and arthritis.

Which Term Should You Use?

Given the technical distinctions between the two terms, when should you use sonogram vs ultrasound?

The thing is simple, if you are talking about the procedure or the machine, then you should use the term ultrasound. For example, a doctor may say, “You need to get an ultrasound to check your liver.”

On the contrary, when talking about the result or the image, the term sonogram is more appropriate. A common scenario is during pregnancy, where patients may say, “I got a sonogram of the baby.”

Incorrect use of these phrases might lead to miscommunication. Clarity should be the goal for both patients and healthcare professionals, particularly during crucial discussions regarding diagnosis and treatment options.

How Does an Ultrasound Work?

An ultrasound works by using sound waves to create images of the body’s internal organs. The machine sends sound waves that bounce off tissues inside the body, and a computer processes them to produce live images. If you’re scheduled for an ultrasound, here’s what to expect when you visit a reliable imaging center for ultrasound:

Applying Gel

The technologist will apply a gel to the area being scanned. This gel helps sound waves travel more easily by removing any air between the skin and the device used to capture the images.

Using the Transducer

The technologist will then move a small handheld device, called a transducer, over the gel-covered area. This device sends sound waves into your body and picks up the waves as they bounce back, providing information about your organs and tissues. These sound waves are quickly turned into images on a computer screen.

Viewing the Results

The technologist will capture and save the images. A radiologist, a doctor who specializes in reading scans, will review them and send the results to your doctor.

The ultrasound is a quick, painless process, usually taking about 30 to 60 minutes, with little to no preparation needed.

Conclusion

To conclude, the terms sonogram vs ultrasound are closely related but distinct. Ultrasound is the procedure or the machine that creates internal images via reflected sound waves. On the other hand, a sonogram is the resulting image. While these differences may seem subtle, they are important in understanding medical diagnostics. By recognizing the sonograms vs ultrasounds difference, patients can communicate more effectively with their healthcare providers and better understand their medical procedures. The next time you visit your doctor for an imaging scan, you’ll know exactly which term to use.

Additionally, Ascend Imaging Center is your ultimate platform for efficient medical diagnostic imaging. Our aim is early diagnosis to help ensure early interventions and timely treatments. Visit us today in Southfield, Michigan to avail our state-of-the-art diagnostic services. Trust us for safe and advanced imaging services.