Radiology Practice Test 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

A healthcare provider may choose ultrasound over CT scans for certain patients primarily because ultrasound does not use ionizing radiation. This characteristic makes ultrasound a safer imaging option, particularly for vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and pediatric patients, where minimizing exposure to radiation is crucial. Additionally, ultrasound's lack of radiation makes it suitable for patients who have had multiple imaging studies requiring radiation or have concerns about cumulative radiation exposure over time.

While affordability may be a factor, ultrasound is generally viewed as preferable in cases where avoiding radiation is essential. The speed of ultrasound can vary depending on the situation; although it may be quicker for some exams, this is not always the case compared to a CT scan. Ultrasound is advantageous for certain real-time imaging applications, but it does not typically provide the same level of detail as CT scans, particularly for complex internal structures or conditions requiring detailed cross-sectional images. Therefore, the key reason healthcare providers may opt for ultrasound hinges on the important safety aspect of avoiding radiation exposure.