'SonoSite, Inc. is the worldwide market and technology leader in high performance, hand-carried ultrasound. Through its expertise in ASIC design, SonoSite is able to offer imaging performance typically found in ultrasound systems weighing more than 300 pounds in a system architecture that is approximately the size and weight of a laptop computer and provides a significant price to performance advantage compared to conventional systems. This breakthrough is transforming and expanding the worldwide diagnostic ultrasound market by serving existing clinical markets more efficiently and creating new point-of-care applications where ultrasound was either too cumbersome or too expensive to be used before. With over 15,000 systems sold since 1999, SonoSite products are known for exceptional performance, ease of use and durability.'

'SonoSite began as a division of ATL Ultrasound in 1997 focused on the development of all-digital, handheld ultrasound devices. In February 1995, the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Project Administration (DARPA) had awarded to ATL a two-year matching grant to develop a highly portable ultrasound device for use on the battlefield or in natural or man-made disasters to diagnose victims of severe trauma. This program culminated with a prototype in October 1998. ATL spun off SonoSite as a public company on April 6, 1998.'

In March 2012 Fujifilm Holdings completes the acquisition of SonoSite.

Ultrasound Systems:

(AUS) Abdominal ultrasound, also known as abdominal sonography, is a medical imaging technique that focuses on the visualization and assessment of the abdominal organs. While 'abdominal ultrasound' is the commonly used term, there are alternative terms that can be used to refer to this imaging modality: (TAE) transabdominal echography, abdominal ultrasonography, sonogram, FAST (Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma).
Abdominal ultrasound imaging is an invaluable clinical tool for identifying the underlying cause of abdominal pain. An abdominal ultrasound examination encompasses a comprehensive evaluation of the liver, gallbladder, biliary tree, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, and abdominal blood vessels. It is a cost-effective, safe, and non-invasive medical imaging modality that is typically utilized as the initial diagnostic investigation.
Advanced ultrasound techniques, such as high-resolution ultrasound, endoscopic ultrasound, and contrast-enhanced Doppler, further enhance the detection of small lesions and provide detailed information for precise diagnosis.
To prepare for an abdominal ultrasound, it is recommended to have nothing to eat or drink for at least 8 hours, starting from midnight the night before the examination.

Indications:
FAST (Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma) is a rapid diagnostic test used for trauma patients. It sequentially evaluates the presence of free fluid in the pericardium (hemopericardium) and in four specific views of the abdomen. These views include the right upper quadrant (RUQ), left upper quadrant (LUQ), subcostal, and suprapubic views. They aid in identifying hemoperitoneum in patients with potential truncal injuries. The space between the liver and the right kidney (RUQ), known as Morison's pouch, is a location where intraperitoneal fluid can accumulate.
Emergency abdominal ultrasonography is indicated in cases of suspected aortic aneurysm, appendicitis, biliary and renal colic, as well as blunt or penetrating abdominal trauma. It plays a crucial role in the timely assessment and management of these conditions, providing critical information to guide appropriate treatment decisions.

See also Handheld Ultrasound, Pelvic Ultrasound, Pregnancy Ultrasound, Prostate Ultrasound, Interventional Ultrasound and Pediatric Ultrasound.