X-Rays and Ultrasound scans are two of the most common medical imaging investigations used to see inside the body and diagnose diseases, injuries etc. What is the difference between X-Ray and Ultrasound scans? How are the two medical equipment different in terms of technology they use? Are they used for the same purposes or different investigations? How do X-Ray and Ultrasound machines compare in terms of cost, patient safety, ease of use and other parameters? In this blog we talk about key differences between X-Rays and Ultrasound machines in terms of technology used, appropriate applications, safety, cost and which investigation is likely be prescribed by the doctor based on the organ or problem area to be examined and other relevant factors.

Difference between X-Rays and Ultrasound in technology

Ultrasound scanners use sound waves, while X-ray machines use X-radiation to scan and generate images.

Ultrasound technology

A diagnostic ultrasound machine uses high-frequency sound waves to perform scans.

Ultrasound essentially means sound waves with frequencies higher than the upper audible limit of human being, e,g, 20KHz.