What Is a Sonogram Used For? A Brooklyn Patient’s Guide

By the IDCC Health editorial team

What Is a Sonogram and How Does It Work?

A sonogram, also called an ultrasound, is a picture of the inside of your body made with sound waves. A small handheld device called a transducer sends high-frequency sound waves into your body. These waves bounce off organs and tissues, and a computer turns the echoes into a moving image on a screen. Unlike X-rays, a sonogram uses no radiation, which is why it is often the first imaging test doctors choose, especially for pregnant women and children. According to MedlinePlus, diagnostic imaging like ultrasound helps doctors look inside the body without surgery.

Your doctor may order a sonogram for many reasons. In pregnancy, it checks the baby's growth and health, including a detailed anatomy scan that looks at the baby's organs and limbs. Outside of pregnancy, sonograms help evaluate the liver, gallbladder, kidneys, thyroid, and other abdominal organs. They are also used to look at the heart (an echocardiogram), blood vessels, and pelvic organs. For gynecologic concerns, a pelvic sonogram can help assess the uterus and ovaries. If you have persistent pain or swelling, a sonogram can often reveal the cause.

It is important to know what a sonogram can and cannot do. It is a powerful tool, but it does not always give a final answer. For example, a sonogram can show a suspicious mass, but it cannot by itself confirm a cancer diagnosis. The images are interpreted by a physician, who will combine the results with your symptoms, blood tests, and other exams to make a diagnosis. A sonogram is just one piece of the puzzle, and follow-up care may involve other tests or specialists.

• Pregnancy: checking fetal growth, position, and anatomy
• Abdominal organs: liver, gallbladder, kidneys, spleen, and pancreas
• Pelvic and gynecologic issues: uterus, ovaries, and bladder
• Heart and blood vessels: echocardiograms and vascular checks
• Thyroid and other soft tissues: detecting nodules or cysts

Common Uses for a Sonogram: From Pregnancy to Heart Health

The most well-known use of a sonogram is during pregnancy, when it shows the developing baby. In Brooklyn, expectant parents often get an anatomy scan around 20 weeks, which checks the baby's growth and organs. For more details on that scan, see our guide What Is an Anatomy Scan During Pregnancy? Everything You Need to Know.

Beyond pregnancy, sonograms help check many other organs. Abdominal ultrasounds look at the liver, gallbladder, kidneys, and pancreas. If you have digestive concerns, your doctor might order one, and our gastroenterology service can help. Pelvic sonograms are used for gynecologic issues, and heart ultrasounds, called echocardiograms, check heart function and blood flow. For heart concerns, our cardiology team is available. Sonograms also help examine the thyroid and blood vessels. If you need a referral, our primary care providers can guide you.

While a sonogram is very helpful, it cannot detect everything on its own. For instance, it may show a suspicious mass, but a biopsy is often needed to confirm if it is cancer. The procedure itself is usually painless and takes about 30 to 60 minutes. You may need to fast or have a full bladder, depending on the area being scanned. A doctor's order is required, and results are interpreted by a physician who may recommend follow-up care. For a typical timeline, see our article How Long Does a Medical Sonography Take? What to Expect at a Brooklyn Clinic.

What a Sonogram Can and Cannot Detect

Sonograms are most familiar in pregnancy, but they do far more. They can examine the liver, gallbladder, kidneys, thyroid, and pelvic organs. They can also look at blood vessels and the heart. A special type of ultrasound called an echocardiogram gives cardiologists a moving view of the heart's chambers and valves. If your primary care doctor wants a closer look at an organ, they may order a sonogram through our Sonography service and then review the images with you.

Still, a sonogram has limits. It cannot see through bone or air-filled organs like the lungs, and it does not always give a final answer. For example, an ultrasound can show a suspicious mass, but it cannot by itself confirm cancer. That usually requires a biopsy or other testing. Our article Can Sonography Detect Cancer? explains this in more detail. A sonogram is one piece of the puzzle, not the whole picture. Your doctor will combine it with your symptoms, blood work, and other imaging to make a diagnosis. According to the NIH, imaging tests like this help doctors see organs without surgery.

• Pregnancy: confirming the pregnancy, checking the baby's growth, and performing the detailed anatomy scan.
• Abdomen: evaluating the liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, and kidneys for stones, cysts, or other changes.
• Pelvis: looking at the uterus, ovaries, and bladder, often for pelvic pain or abnormal bleeding.
• Heart: an echocardiogram checks heart size, pumping strength, and valve function.
• Blood vessels: Doppler ultrasound measures blood flow and can spot blockages or clots.
• Thyroid and other soft tissues: checking for nodules or swelling in the neck and other areas.

What to Expect During a Sonogram in Brooklyn

Before your sonogram, which is part of our Sonography service, your doctor will give you specific instructions. For some scans, you may need to fast for several hours. For others, you may need to drink water and keep your bladder full. These steps help the sound waves create clearer images. A sonogram is painless and uses no radiation, making it a safe imaging choice. You can schedule your exam at any of our Brooklyn offices for your convenience.

When you arrive, you'll lie on an exam table. A trained sonographer applies a clear gel to your skin and moves a handheld device called a transducer over the area being examined. The gel helps the sound waves travel smoothly. You may be asked to hold your breath or change positions to get better views. Most sonograms take between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the area being studied. For a detailed timeline, see How Long Does a Medical Sonography Take? What to Expect at a Brooklyn Clinic.

After the images are captured, a physician reviews them and sends a report to your referring provider. Keep in mind that a sonogram is one diagnostic tool among many. It can help identify certain conditions, but it doesn't always give a complete picture. Your doctor will explain the results and recommend any next steps.

How to Prepare for Your Sonogram Appointment

Preparing for your sonogram appointment is usually straightforward, but the exact steps depend on the area of your body being examined. Your physician will give you specific instructions, and it is important to follow them closely. For many abdominal scans, you may be asked to fast for several hours beforehand. Pelvic scans often require a full bladder. At IDCC Health, our team can explain the preparation process and answer any questions.

Wear loose, comfortable clothing to your appointment, and avoid applying lotions or powders to the skin, as they can interfere with the sound waves. You may be asked to change into a gown. Arrive a little early to check in. The procedure itself is painless and uses no radiation. Remember that a doctor's order is required for a sonogram, so if you need a referral, you can schedule a visit with our Primary Care team.

• Follow fasting instructions if given.
• Drink the recommended amount of water if a full bladder is needed.
• Take your usual medications unless told otherwise.
• Bring your insurance card and any referral documents.
• Arrive 15 minutes early.

Getting a Sonogram at IDCC Health: Locations and Next Steps

IDCC Health makes it easy to get a sonogram at several Brooklyn locations. You can visit our 445 Kings Highway office, our 2846 Stillwell Avenue (Coney Island) location, or our 201 Kings Highway office. Each site offers sonography services in a comfortable setting, so you can choose the one that is most convenient for you.

Before your scan, your doctor will give you specific instructions. For an abdominal sonogram, you may need to fast for several hours. For a pelvic exam, you might be asked to drink water so your bladder is full. The scan itself is painless and does not expose you to radiation.

A trained sonographer performs the exam, and a physician interprets the images. A sonogram is often just the first step. Depending on the findings, your care team may recommend follow-up with a specialist, such as our cardiology or gynecology departments. You will need a doctor's order to schedule a sonogram. If you do not have a primary care provider, our primary care team can help you get started. To book your appointment, visit our sonography service page.

Your Care Team: Who Performs and Reads Your Sonogram

At IDCC Health, your sonogram is performed by a skilled sonographer, also called an ultrasound technologist. These professionals are specially trained to use the ultrasound machine and capture clear images of the area your doctor wants to examine. The sonographer works directly with your referring physician, such as Stella Geller DO, a family medicine doctor who can order the exam and explain why it is needed. You can learn more about our Sonography services and how they fit into your care.

Once the images are captured, they are read and interpreted by a physician. For many exams, the ordering doctor, like Dr. Geller, will review the results with you. But when a sonogram looks at a specific organ, a specialist may also be involved. For example, an echocardiogram of the heart is often reviewed by a cardiologist, and a pelvic sonogram may be interpreted with input from a gynecologist. IDCC Health offers both Cardiology and Gynecology services, so your care stays coordinated under one roof. This teamwork helps ensure you get an accurate diagnosis and a clear next step.

The procedure itself is quick and painless, and you can usually return to your normal activities right away. You can schedule your sonogram at any of our Brooklyn locations. Remember, you will need a doctor's order. If you do not have one yet, our Primary Care team can help you get started. Your care team at IDCC Health is here to support you from the first appointment through the follow-up.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sonograms

Here are answers to common questions about sonograms, also called ultrasounds. If you have a question that is not listed, talk to your primary care doctor or call our office.

• What is a sonogram used for? A sonogram is an image made by an ultrasound machine. It uses sound waves to create pictures of organs, tissues, and blood flow inside the body. Doctors use it to check a developing baby, look at the liver, gallbladder, kidneys, thyroid, heart, and blood vessels, and guide certain procedures. According to MedlinePlus, diagnostic imaging like ultrasound helps doctors see inside the body without surgery.
• Is a sonogram the same as an ultrasound? Yes. Ultrasound is the procedure, and a sonogram is the image it produces. People often use the words interchangeably. At IDCC Health, our Sonography service includes both the scan and the image review.
• Why would my doctor order a sonogram? Your doctor may order one to investigate pain, swelling, or an abnormal lab result. For example, a family medicine doctor like Stella Geller DO may order a sonogram to check your abdomen, pelvis, or thyroid.
• Can a sonogram detect cancer? A sonogram can show a suspicious lump or mass, but it cannot confirm cancer by itself. A biopsy or other tests are usually needed. For a detailed explanation, see our article Can Sonography Detect Cancer?
• How should I prepare for a sonogram? Preparation depends on the area being scanned. For some abdominal scans, you may need to fast for several hours. For a pelvic scan, you may need a full bladder. Your doctor or the imaging center will give you specific instructions. The NIH notes that ultrasound is generally painless and does not use radiation.
• How long does a sonogram take? Most scans take about 30 to 60 minutes. The exact time depends on the type of scan. You can learn more in our guide How Long Does a Medical Sonography Take? What to Expect at a Brooklyn Clinic.
• Do I need a referral for a sonogram? Yes, most insurance plans require a doctor's order. You can start by booking an appointment with Primary Care or with Stella Geller DO, who can evaluate your symptoms and order the right scan.
• What happens after the sonogram? A radiologist or your doctor reviews the images and sends you the results. Depending on what is found, your doctor may recommend follow-up care, such as Physical Therapy for a musculoskeletal issue, Gastroenterology for digestive concerns, Neurology for nerve-related problems, or Pain Management for chronic discomfort. Rehabilitation and Occupational Therapy may also be part of your recovery plan.

Related Articles

• Why Is My Penis Shrinking? Causes, Prevention, and Solutions
• What is Ambulatory Referral to Cardiology?

Related Providers & Services

• Rehabilitation
• Pain Management
• Physical Therapy
• Neurology
• Gastroenterology
• Occupational Therapy
• Psychiatry

Sources

• MedlinePlus: Diagnostic Imaging
• NIH: Health Information