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Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc. (formerly Berlex Laboratories Inc) is the U.S.-based pharmaceuticals operation of Bayer HealthCare LLC, a division of Bayer AG.
Bayer HealthCare combines the global activities of the Animal Health, Consumer Care, Diabetes Care, and Pharmaceuticals divisions. In the United States, Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals is comprised of the following business units: Women's Healthcare, Diagnostic Imaging, General Medicine, Hematology/Neurology and Oncology.

See also Bayer Schering Pharma AG.

Gynecologic ultrasound and obstetric ultrasound are two distinct applications of ultrasound imaging that serve different purposes in the field of women's health. While both involve the use of ultrasound technology to examine the pelvic region, they have different focuses and objectives.

Gynecologic [gynaecologic, Brit.] ultrasound primarily concentrates on the evaluation of the female reproductive organs, including the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and surrounding structures. It is commonly performed for various gynecological concerns, such as abnormal bleeding, pelvic pain, infertility investigations, and monitoring of reproductive disorders. It can identify signs of inflammation, the presence of free fluid, cysts, and tumors. This non-invasive technique aids in diagnosing and monitoring gynecological pathologies, facilitating early intervention and appropriate treatment. Typically, a transabdominal sonogram is performed with a full bladder to provide an initial assessment. However, if the pelvic ultrasound reveals any abnormalities or fails to provide a clear image of the organs, a more detailed evaluation can be achieved through a transvaginal sonography. This approach allows for improved visualization of the uterus and ovaries by placing the ultrasound probe inside the vagina.

Obstetric ultrasound, also known as prenatal, fetal or pregnancy ultrasound, is the branch of medical imaging that focuses on the use of ultrasound technology to assess the health and development of a fetus during pregnancy. Women with uncomplicated pregnancies commonly undergo an ultrasound examination between the 16th and 20th week of gestation. This routine assessment, performed with a real-time scanner, serves to determine accurate gestational age, monitor fetal size, and assess overall growth. The middle of the pregnancy trimester provides a crucial window for detecting many abnormalities of fetal anatomy. Advanced imaging techniques enable healthcare professionals to identify potential structural issues. Early detection of these abnormalities allows for timely intervention, counseling, and the implementation of appropriate management strategies.
See also Pregnancy Ultrasound, Pelvic Ultrasound, Hysterosalpingo Contrast Sonography and Vaginal Probe.

Ultrasonography is another term[aka: sonography] used to describe the practice of using ultrasound technology for diagnostic imaging. It is synonymous with sonography and signifies the process of capturing ultrasound images, regardless of the body part or condition being examined. Ultrasonography is widely utilized in various medical imaging specialties, including obstetrics and gynecology, cardiology, radiology, urology, and many others. It has proven to be particularly valuable in obstetric imaging, allowing healthcare providers to monitor the growth and development of a fetus during pregnancy.
Ultrasonography uses the reflections of high-frequency sound waves to construct an image of a body organ. These ultrasonic waves are generated by a quartz crystal and are reflected at the interface between different tissues. The transmission and reflection of these high-frequency waves are displayed with different types of ultrasound modes.
See also sonogram, sonography, ultrasound imaging.

(US) Also called echography, sonography, ultrasonography, echotomography, ultrasonic tomography.
Diagnostic imaging plays a vital role in modern healthcare, allowing medical professionals to visualize internal structures of the body and assist in the diagnosis and treatment of various conditions. Two terms that are commonly used interchangeably but possess distinct meanings in the field of medical imaging are 'ultrasound' and 'sonography.'
Ultrasound is the imaging technique that utilizes sound waves to create real-time images, while sonography encompasses the entire process of performing ultrasound examinations and interpreting the obtained images. Ultrasonography is a synonymous term for sonography, emphasizing the use of ultrasound technology in diagnostic imaging. A sonogram, on the other hand, refers to the resulting image produced during an ultrasound examination.
Ultrasonic waves, generated by a quartz crystal, cause mechanical perturbation of an elastic medium, resulting in rarefaction and compression of the medium particles. These waves are reflected at the interfaces between different tissues due to differences in their mechanical properties. The transmission and reflection of these high-frequency waves are displayed with different types of ultrasound modes.
By utilizing the speed of wave propagation in tissues, the time of reflection information can be converted into distance of reflection information. The use of higher frequencies in medical ultrasound imaging yields better image resolution. However, higher frequencies also lead to increased absorption of the sound beam by the medium, limiting its penetration depth. For instance, higher frequencies (e.g., 7.5 MHz) are employed to provide detailed imaging of superficial organs like the thyroid gland and breast, while lower frequencies (e.g., 3.5 MHz) are used for abdominal examinations.

Ultrasound in medical imaging offers several advantages including:

Diagnostic ultrasound imaging is generally considered safe, with no adverse effects. As medical ultrasound is extensively used in pregnancy and pediatric imaging, it is crucial for practitioners to ensure its safe usage. Ultrasound can cause mechanical and thermal effects in tissue, which are amplified with increased output power. Consequently, guidelines for the safe use of ultrasound have been issued to address the growing use of color flow imaging, pulsed spectral Doppler, and higher demands on B-mode imaging. Furthermore, recent ultrasound safety regulations have shifted more responsibility to the operator to ensure the safe use of ultrasound.

See also Skinline, Pregnancy Ultrasound, Obstetric and Gynecologic Ultrasound, Musculoskeletal and Joint Ultrasound, Ultrasound Elastography and Prostate Ultrasound.

Berlex Laboratories has been integrated into Bayer HealthCare, and operates as an integrated specialty pharmaceuticals business under a new name, Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals.
The company is developing and making specialized medicines for treating multiple sclerosis, dermatological disorders, female health concerns, cancer and is creating new diagnostic imaging techniques. Berlex Laboratories, Inc. was a pioneer in the imaging market. It introduced a broad range of imaging agents. Its contribution began in 1988 with the introduction of the world's first magnetic resonance imaging agent, Magnevist® (gadopentetate dimeglumine) injection. Berlex Laboratories, Inc. was an US affiliate of Bayer Schering Pharma AG Germany.