Ultrasound
What is Ultrasound?
An ultrasound scan, also known as a sonogram, is a procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to generate an image of the inside of the body. It can assist in diagnosing and treating various diseases and conditions. Multiple types of diagnostic ultrasounds are used to visualise internal body parts and detect abnormalities.- Abdominal ultrasound: An ultrasound scan of the belly to diagnose abdominal pain.
- Kidney (renal) ultrasound: Used to assess the size, location, and condition of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder, detecting issues like cysts, tumours, or infections.
- Breast ultrasound: Noninvasive test to identify breast lumps and cysts, typically recommended after an abnormal mammogram.
- Doppler ultrasound: Evaluates blood flow through arteries and veins in the body.
- Pelvic ultrasound: Examines pelvic organs such as the bladder, prostate, rectum, ovaries, uterus, and vagina.
- Transvaginal ultrasound: Evaluates reproductive tissues such as the uterus or ovaries using a probe inserted into the vaginal canal.
- Thyroid ultrasound: Assesses the thyroid gland’s size and looks for nodules or lesions within the gland.
- Transrectal ultrasound: This involves inserting an ultrasound probe into the rectum to evaluate the rectum or nearby tissues, such as the prostate.
What Conditions Can Be Diagnosed During an Ultrasound?
Ultrasound is a versatile diagnostic tool that helps doctors detect a wide range of medical conditions, including:
- Abnormal growths (tumours or cancer)
- Blood clots
- Enlarged spleen or abdomen
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Gallstones
- Aortic aneurysm
- Kidney or bladder stones
- Gallbladder inflammation
- Enlarged veins in the testicles
In addition, ultrasounds can help diagnose:
- Detect blood clots and enlarged spleen
- Identify aortic aneurysms and gallbladder inflammation
- Evaluate metabolic bone disease
- Assess joint inflammation
- Diagnose genital and prostate issues
Procedure of Ultrasound
The process involves using a small device known as an ultrasound probe, which emits high-frequency sound waves. These waves bounce off various body parts, creating “echoes” that the probe picks up and converts into a moving image displayed on a monitor during the scan.Typically, ultrasound scans last about 15 minutes and are usually conducted in a hospital’s radiology department by a radiologist or a sonographer. Alternatively, they can be performed in community locations or outpatient/ward areas by other healthcare professionals. Different types of ultrasound scans are used to examine different body parts for various reasons. There are three primary types:
External ultrasound scan: The most common form of ultrasound scan is the external ultrasound, frequently used to examine the heart or an unborn baby in the womb. It can also assess organs in the abdominal area, such as the liver and kidneys, as well as other tissues and organs that can be assessed through the skin, such as muscles and joints. In this procedure, a small handheld probe is placed on the skin and moved over the examined area.
Internal or transvaginal ultrasound scan: The internal or transvaginal ultrasound scan enables doctors to closely examine organs such as the prostate gland, ovaries, or womb. This involves gently inserting a small ultrasound probe covered with a sterile cover, which is not much wider than a finger, into the vagina or rectum, with the images being transmitted to a monitor.
Endoscopic ultrasound scan: Endoscopic ultrasound scans are performed using an endoscope inserted into the body, typically through the mouth, to examine areas such as the stomach or gullet (oesophagus)
What are the Risks of Ultrasound?
Sound waves in an ultrasound scan are not known to pose any risks. Unlike certain other scans, like computerised tomography (CT) scans, ultrasound scans do not entail exposure to radiation.
Both external and internal ultrasound scans are free of any side effects and are typically painless. However, you may feel some discomfort as the probe is pressed against your skin or inserted into your body.
Both external and internal ultrasound scans are free of any side effects and are typically painless. However, you may feel some discomfort as the probe is pressed against your skin or inserted into your body.
Cost of Ultrasound
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Frequently Asked Questions about Ultrasound
01. How to prepare for an ultrasound scan?
Before certain ultrasound scans, you might need to follow some instructions to help make the pictures better. For example – you might need to drink water and not use the bathroom before the scan. This could be for a scan of your baby before birth or your pelvic area.
You might also need to avoid eating for a few hours before the scan. This could be for a scan of your digestive system, including your liver and gallbladder. Depending on whatever area of your body is being examined, you may be required to remove some clothing and wear a hospital gown.
You might also need to avoid eating for a few hours before the scan. This could be for a scan of your digestive system, including your liver and gallbladder. Depending on whatever area of your body is being examined, you may be required to remove some clothing and wear a hospital gown.
02. What should I expect after an ultrasound scan?
Most of the time, you can go home right after the ultrasound with no issues. If you don’t have a sedative, you can drive, eat, drink, and go back to your normal activities immediately.
If you had an endoscopic ultrasound with a sedative, you’d probably need to stay in the hospital for a few hours until the sedative wears off. You should also arrange for someone to pick you up from the hospital and stay with you for 24 hours. During this time, avoid driving, drinking alcohol, and using machinery.
If you had an endoscopic ultrasound with a sedative, you’d probably need to stay in the hospital for a few hours until the sedative wears off. You should also arrange for someone to pick you up from the hospital and stay with you for 24 hours. During this time, avoid driving, drinking alcohol, and using machinery.
03. Is it safe to get an ultrasound?
Ultrasound is safe because it uses sound waves rather than radiation. Doctors have been using ultrasound for many years and have found no risks. Although ultrasound is good for checking for problems during pregnancy, it may not be able to find every problem, such as some birth defects.
04. What should I wear for an ultrasound?
Wear loose clothes to your ultrasound appointment, and be prepared to take off any jewellery. It is preferable to leave valuable things at home.
05. Does sonography hurt?
A sonogram may be uncomfortable, but it won’t hurt. During the procedure, the probe, which is covered with a condom and gel, sends sound waves into the body and creates an image of the body part.
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