Short answer: An ultrasound scan uses high-frequency sound waves to make live images of organs, blood vessels or a developing baby. It uses no radiation. The written report describes what was examined, what was seen, and ends with an impression or conclusion; the vocabulary describes how tissues reflect sound rather than what they are.
At a glance
| What it is | Live images made with sound waves; no radiation |
|---|---|
| Report structure | What was examined, findings organ by organ, impression or conclusion |
| Common words | Hypoechoic, hyperechoic, anechoic, homogeneous, cyst, nodule |
| Who reads it | The radiologist or sonographer writes for the doctor who ordered it |
| Keeping it | The report with the date and the images if you receive them |
| What this page does not do | Interpret your report |
How it is done
Gel is applied and a handheld probe moves over the skin (some scans use an internal probe). An abdominal scan may need fasting; a pelvic scan may need a full bladder. It usually takes 15–45 minutes.
What the report contains
| On the report | Unit | What it describes |
|---|---|---|
| Echogenic / hyperechoic | — | reflects more sound, looks brighter than the surrounding tissue |
| Hypoechoic | — | reflects less sound, looks darker |
| Anechoic | — | reflects no sound, looks black (typical of fluid) |
| Homogeneous / heterogeneous | — | even or uneven texture |
| Dimensions | mm or cm | the size of an organ or a finding, often in three directions |
| Doppler | cm/s, flow | blood flow in vessels |
These words describe appearance, not diagnosis: a simple cyst, for example, is often anechoic and harmless. The impression at the end is the radiologist's summary; follow-up recommendations, if any, are discussed with your doctor.
Keeping the report in your record
In Anpheros Daily you photograph the report or upload the PDF, and it goes into Documents under the person it belongs to, linked to the appointment it came from, next to the referral and the doctor's letter. On the Plus and Max plans "Read with AI" gives a plain-language summary and explains the terms, with the sentence each explanation came from marked; it stays labelled as AI, separate from what the specialist wrote. In the record the report is stored as an HL7 FHIR document, so you can share it with any doctor for a period you choose. Our guide on sharing your record with a clinic explains how.
What this page does not do
It explains what the investigation is and how its report is usually organised. It does not interpret your report or images, diagnose or recommend treatment. Reading the recording or images is the specialist's job; deciding what the report means for you is your doctor's.
Related pages
Sources
Frequently asked questions
What does hypoechoic mean on an ultrasound?
That an area reflects less sound and looks darker than the tissue around it. It describes appearance, not a diagnosis.
Does an ultrasound use radiation?
No. It uses sound waves.
Why do I need to fast before an abdominal ultrasound?
To reduce gas in the bowel and keep the gallbladder full, which gives clearer images.
Why compare ultrasound reports over time?
Because the size and appearance of a finding over time often matter more than one measurement.
Try it in Anpheros Daily
Keep your scan and test reports in one place in Anpheros Daily, ready to show at your next visit.
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Anpheros builds a medical record that the patient controls and can share with any clinic, on an HL7 FHIR R4 platform, based in the EU. These guides help you understand and organise your health; they do not replace your doctor.
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