Imaging tests provide pictures of bones, organs (such as the liver, pancreas, or intestines), tissues, and other structures (such as blood vessels) inside the body. These tests are used to help diagnose medical conditions.
Ultrasounds use reflected sound waves to produce an image. Ultrasound is most useful for looking at organs and structures that are either uniform and solid (like the liver) or that contain water (like the gallbladder). Mineralized structures (like bones) or air-filled organs (like the lungs) do not show up well. Echocardiography is a type of ultrasound that produces an image of the heart. It is used in heart conditions.