Ultrasound US
Uses high-frequency sound waves. No radiation, can be done at the bedside, and shows movement in real time.
What it can show
Liver, gallbladder, kidneys, uterus, ovaries, thyroid, pregnancy, free fluid, blood vessels and flow.
What it cannot show
Sound does not pass through gas or bone, so it is poor for lungs, gassy bowel, and the adult brain. Quality depends heavily on the operator.
This is the half people skip. A normal result answers one question, not every question.
Tell the staff before you start
Usually no contraindications.
Also bring the full list of every medicine and supplement you take. Things bought without a prescription belong on that list too.