Sonogram vs Ultrasound: Definitions Explained

Sonogram vs Ultrasound – what’s the difference between a sonogram and an ultrasound? Discover the official medical definitions, what they’re used for & the role of our Transvaginal Ultrasound Pad.

Both “sonogram” and “ultrasound” are two terms that have become synonymous. For example, the NHS website states, “An ultrasound scan, sometimes called a sonogram”.

Therefore, you’d be forgiven for thinking they were the same thing. However, there is a difference. So, if you’re a healthcare professional training to deliver ultrasound scans or a patient scheduled for sonography treatment, it’ll serve you well to know which is which.

What’s the Difference Between a Sonogram and an Ultrasound? 

An ultrasound is a device and process used to take imaging from inside the body. The sonogram is the picture which the ultrasound generates.

• Ultrasound – device/process
• Sonogram – picture/result

Sonography is another term which describes the overall process, encompassing both measures of the ultrasound and sonograph for diagnostic purposes.

Ultrasound
Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves called ultrasound waves to create an image of the inside of the body. As a non-invasive process, ultrasound is a painless procedure applied in the assessment or direct treatment of patients for various reasons.

Medical ultrasound falls under two categories:

• Diagnostic
• Therapeutic

While diagnostic ultrasound uses ultrasound waves to create a sonograph image, therapeutic ultrasound also uses sound waves but does not create an image (sonograph). Instead, the sound waves produced are applied directly as treatment by interacting with tissues in the body. Therapeutic ultrasound involves:

• Moving, pushing or heating tissue
• Dissolving blood clots
• Delivering drugs to parts of the body

Therapeutic ultrasound uses high-intensity beams to destroy diseased or abnormal tissue such as tumours. Therefore, while diagnostic ultrasound involves assessment through sonography, therapeutic ultrasound involves treatment using sound waves to interact with the body.

Sonogram
A sonogram is an image produced after the ultrasound scan is complete. For example, an unborn baby can be seen on the ultrasound monitor, while the printed image the parents take home is known as the sonogram.

Sonography
Sonography is the term referring to the overall process and ultrasound exam. It refers to the process as a whole. Sonography can also be called “Ultrasonography”. Images provided by this process can produce valuable information for healthcare professionals when diagnosing or directing the necessary treatment to their patients.

What Is Ultrasound Used For?   

Ultrasound examinations are commonly associated with examining the health and growth of an unborn baby during pregnancy.

The National Library of Medicine reports that 10% of ultrasound scans happen in the first trimester of pregnancy, 57% in the second trimester, and 32% in the third.

Other applications for diagnostic ultrasound scans assess the following parts of the body:

• Heart
• Blood vessels
• Eyes
• Thyroid
• Brain
• Breasts
• Abdomen
• Liver
• Kidneys
• Gallbladder
• Spleen
• Pancreas
• Bladder
• Ovaries
• Testicles

Although diagnostic ultrasound scans are an extremely effective procedure for medical analysis, they will struggle to transmit through dense areas of gas, air or bone.

How Does Ultrasound Work? 

Diagnostic ultrasound machines consist of a computer console, video monitor and an attached transducer. The transducer is a small handheld device that produces the ultrasound waves into the body and interacts with the returning echoes. Each echo generates electrical signals that the computer translates in real-time to create images from inside the body. The same principles apply to sonar navigation vital in guiding bats, boats and submarines while they travel.

Diagnostic ultrasound performs in multiple variations:

• Doppler Ultrasound – Measure blood flow to the heart and in blood vessels
• Elastography – Distinguishes tumours from healthy tissue
• Bone sonography – Determines bone density

These ultrasound procedures operate on the surface of the skin. Typically, the technologist will apply a special gel to the assessment area. The gel plays a crucial role in connecting the transducer device to the skin.

However, some ultrasound scan procedures take place inside the body through a natural opening.

• Transoesophageal echocardiogram – A transducer probe is inserted inside the oesophagus for imaging of the heart
• Transrectal ultrasound – The transducer probe is positioned inside the rectum for prostate exams
• Transvaginal ultrasound – The transducer probe is placed inside a vagina to examine the uterus and ovaries

Ultrasound Products
Along with the ultrasound equipment, other products assist with the overall ultrasound experience, ensuring the patient has the maximum comfort and the technologist works effectively during any examination.

Transvaginal Ultrasound Pad
Wolverson X-ray provides the Transvaginal Ultrasound Pad positioning aid to bring maximum comfort to the female patient during a transvaginal ultrasound examination.

A specific heat-treated surface is both non-coated and non-porous properties while being fully cleanable for infection control. Our current dimensions for the pad are 500 x 450 x 120mm, but customisable options are also available upon request.

Ultrasound Couch
During ultrasound procedures, it’s vital to have a smooth and effortless platform for examination and patient positioning. Our ultrasound couch is equipped with electrical variable height settings and tilt and gas-assisted back and leg sections.

It’s fitted with fire retardant vinyl upholstery, retractable rubber castors, and adjustable footrests to offer maximum comfort for the patient and precision to the healthcare professional.

Speak to the Specialists in Ultrasound and Imaging Equipment

Wolverson X-ray Ltd has been a leading independent supplier of innovative imaging equipment and associated ultrasound healthcare products for the past 85 years. We’ve built our reputation upon excellent service and quality products, providing value to the NHS and private health care organisations through a dedication to quality care and customer service.

If you need any ultrasound products and imaging equipment, get in touch today. One of our expert advisors will ensure you invest in the best solution available.

If you have any questions, please get in touch. Keep up to date by connecting with us on LinkedIn.