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Ultrasound
What is an ultrasound?
An ultrasound is a medical imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the inside of the body. The sound waves are transmitted through a device called a transducer, which is placed on the skin and moved over the area of the body being imaged. The sound waves are reflected back to the transducer, and the information is used to create an image on a monitor. Ultrasound is used to image many different parts of the body, including the abdomen, pelvis, heart, blood vessels, and more. It is a non-invasive and safe procedure that has no known harmful effects on the body.
Book an Appointmentwhat to expect during an ultrasound?
During an ultrasound, you will typically lie on a exam table and a gel will be applied to the area of your body that is being imaged. The gel helps to transmit the sound waves more efficiently and also helps to prevent air pockets between the transducer and your skin. The technician or doctor will then move the transducer over the gel-covered area, sending sound waves into your body and capturing the reflected echoes. You may feel slight discomfort as the transducer applies a slight pressure as it is moved over your skin but it should be not painful. The images will appear on a nearby monitor, and the technician or doctor will take measurements and check for any abnormalities. The whole process usually lasts from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the area of the body being imaged and the reason for the ultrasound.It's generally a non-invasive and painless procedure, so you can expect to be relaxed throughout the procedure and be able to return to normal activities right after.
How do you prepare for an ultrasound?
The preparation for an ultrasound may vary depending on the type of ultrasound you are having and the part of your body that is being imaged. In general, you should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for the procedure. If the ultrasound is being done of your abdomen, you may be asked to wear a gown and avoid eating or drinking for several hours beforehand. Similarly, if the ultrasound is being done on your pelvic region, you may be asked to have a full bladder, or in some cases, to empty your bladder before the procedure.
Additionally, you may be asked to avoid lotions, oils, or powder on the area to be imaged and remove any jewelry or other metallic objects that may interfere with the images. It's important to inform your doctor or the technician performing the ultrasound of any medications you are taking or any health condition you have that could affect the ultrasound results. It is also important to inform them if you think you might be pregnant. It's generally a good idea to bring a list of current medications, any prior imaging studies and any relevant medical reports if you have any, to your ultrasound appointment. This will ensure that the ultrasound results can be properly interpreted and that you receive the best possible care.
What areas of the body does ultrasound scan?
Ultrasound can be used to image many different parts of the body, including
Abdomen
to visualize organs such as the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, and spleen, as well as blood vessels and the lining of the abdominal cavity.
Pelvis
to evaluate the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes in women, and the prostate gland in men.
Obstetrics and Gynecology
to monitor the development of a fetus during pregnancy and to check the health of the mother's reproductive organs.
Breast
to evaluate lumps or masses and to check the blood flow in the breast tissue.
Thyroid
to check the size and shape of the thyroid gland, which is located in the neck.
Heart
To check and evaluate the heart chambers, blood vessels and valves.
Blood vessels
To check and evaluate the blood flow through the blood vessels in different parts of the body such as carotid artery, renal vessels, and leg vessels.
Musculoskeletal system
to visualize tendons, ligaments, muscles and joints and evaluate for injuries.
Scrotum
to evaluate testicles and surrounding structures and identify abnormalities such as tumors or cysts
Eye
to check the retina, choroid and vitreous humor.
This is not an exhaustive list, but these are some of the most common uses of ultrasound. Depending on the specific condition being evaluated, an ultrasound may be done in conjunction with other imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRI.