Ultrasound imaging, also called ultrasound scanning
or sonography, involves exposing part of the body to
high-frequency sound waves to produce pictures of
the inside of the body. Ultrasound exams do not use
ionizing radiation (as used in x-rays). Because
ultrasound images are captured in real-time, they can
show the structure and movement of the body's
internal organs, as well as blood flowing through blood vessels.

Ultrasound imaging is a noninvasive medical test that
helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions.

An abdominal ultrasound produces a picture of the organs
and other structures in the upper abdomen.

A Doppler ultrasound study may be part of an abdominal ultrasound examination.

Doppler ultrasound is a special ultrasound technique that evaluates blood velocity as it flows through a blood vessel, including the body's major arteries and veins in the abdomen, arms, legs and neck.