Diagnostic Ultrasound – What is it ?
Diagnostic ultrasound, also known as sonography or
diagnostic medical sonography, is a type of imaging that uses sound waves to
create images of structures within your body. The images can provide useful
information for diagnosing and treating a wide range of diseases and conditions.
The majority of ultrasound exams are performed with an ultrasound device placed
outside your body, though some require the placement of a small device inside
your body.
Why is it done?
Ultrasound is used for a variety of purposes, including:
- During pregnancy, examine the uterus and ovaries and keep track of the developing baby's health.
- Identify gallbladder disease
- Analyze blood flow
- Use a needle to guide a biopsy or tumour treatment.
- Look for a breast lump.
- Examine the thyroid gland
- Locate genital and prostate issues.
- Examine joint inflammation (synovitis)
- Consider metabolic bone disease.
How do you prepare?
The majority of ultrasound exams require no preparation.
There are, however, a few exceptions:
- Some scans, such as a gallbladder ultrasound, may require you to refrain from eating or drinking for a certain period of time before the exam.
- Others, such as a pelvic ultrasound, may necessitate a completely empty bladder. Your doctor will advise you on how much water you should drink before the exam. Wait until the exam is finished before urinating.
- Young children may require extra preparation. When scheduling an ultrasound for yourself or your child, check with your doctor to see if there are any special instructions you should follow.
- Clothing and personal belongings -Dress comfortably for your ultrasound appointment. You may be asked to remove your jewellery during your ultrasound, so leave any valuables at home.
What to anticipate ?
Prior to the procedure
You may be asked to do the following before your
ultrasound:
- Gel is applied to your skin over the area being examined during the procedure. It aids in the prevention of air pockets, which can obstruct the sound waves that generate the images. This non-toxic, water-based gel is simple to remove from skin and, if necessary, clothing.
- To capture the images, a trained technician (sonographer) presses a small, hand-held device (transducer) against the area being studied and moves it as needed. The transducer sends sound waves into your body, collects them, and sends them to a computer, which generates the images.
- Ultrasounds are sometimes performed inside your body. The transducer in this case is attached to a probe that is inserted into a natural opening in your body. Here are some examples:
Echocardiogram (transesophageal). Heart images are obtained by
inserting a transducer into the oesophagus. It is usually performed while sedated.
Ultrasound transrectal. By inserting a special transducer into the rectum, this test
produces images of the prostate.
Ultrasound of the cervix. To examine the uterus and ovaries, a special transducer is
gently inserted into the vagina.
Ultrasound is usually not painful. However, you may feel mild discomfort as the
sonographer moves the transducer over your body, particularly if you are required to
have a full bladder, or inserts it into your body.
A typical ultrasound exam lasts between 30 minutes and an hour.
Results
When your exam is finished, a radiologist (a doctor who is trained
to interpret imaging studies) analyses the images and sends a report to your doctor. The
results will be communicated to you by your doctor.
Following an ultrasound, you should be able to resume normal activities immediately.
Risks
The use of low-power sound waves in diagnostic ultrasound is a safe
procedure. There are no known dangers.
Although ultrasound is a useful tool, it does have limitations. Because sound waves do
not travel well through air or bone, ultrasound cannot be used to image body parts that
contain gas or are hidden by bone, such as the lungs or head. Ultrasound may also be
unable to detect objects located deep within the human body. Other imaging tests, such
as CT or MRI scans or X-rays, may be ordered to view these areas.