Pros and cons of ultrasound
Ultrasound is just one kind of diagnostic imaging available to your physician. Your doctor will choose the most appropriate kind of test for you based upon your symptoms and possible diagnosis.
Some pros of ultrasound:
- speed of scheduling: ultrasound can often be scheduled sooner than other tests such as MRI, as hospitals and outpatient centers usually have multiple ultrasound systems and techs.
- non invasive approach: ultrasounds are generally performed without any need to go inside the body or use needles for giving contrast (although exceptions include some cardiac and pelvic ultrasounds. You may wish to ask when scheduling so that you know what to expect.)
- no radiation is needed: ultrasound uses sound waves. Sometimes other tests using radiation are necessary for best imaging but we all try to limit its use.
- usually painless: ultrasound almost always causes feelings of pressure on the body but not pain
- safe: ultrasound has been studied since the 1940s and when used for medical purposes no harm has ever been found
- less expensive: ultrasound is one of the more cost effective types of medical imaging
Some cons of ultrasound:
- ultrasound is not always the best method for viewing a structure within the body. For example, for a broken bone x ray is the go to, not ultrasound.
- ultrasound may require preparation for best results: for example, the gallbladder is best seen after fasting for 6-8 hours.
- ultrasound can take longer than other imaging: a typical ultrasound takes 20-30 minutes, whereas an xray or CT may be obtained more quickly.