WHAT IS AN ULTRASOUND (SONOGRAPHY, USG)

Ultrasound imaging (sonography) makes use of high-frequency sound waves to view inside the body. Because ultrasound images are captured in real-time, they can also exhibit motion of the body's inner organs as properly as blood flowing through the blood vessels. Unlike X-ray imaging, there is no ionizing radiation exposure related with ultrasound imaging.

In an ultrasound exam, a probe is placed on the skin or interior of a body opening. A thin layer of gel is applied directly to the skin so that the ultrasound waves may transmitted from the transducer through the gel into the body effectively.

The ultrasound picture is produced primarily based on the reflection of the waves off of the body structures. The amplitude of the sound wave and the time it takes for the wave to journey through the body provide the facts vital to produce an image.

What is it used for?

Ultrasound imaging is a scientific tool that can assist a doctor evaluate, diagnose and treat medical conditions.

Common Ultrasound imaging includes:

•Abdominal ultrasound (to visualize stomach tissues and organs)

•Bone sonometry (to examine bone fragility)

•Breast ultrasound (to visualize breast tissue)

•Doppler fetal heart rate monitors (to observe and monitor the fetal heart beat)

•Doppler ultrasound (to visualize blood moving through a blood vessel, organs, or different structures)

•Echocardiogram (to view the heart)

•Fetal ultrasound (to view the fetus growth duering pregnancy)

•Ultrasound-guided biopsies (to collect tissue samples)

•Ophthalmic ultrasound (to visualize ocular structures and deformities)

•Ultrasound-guided needle placement/Aspiration (into the blood vessels or different tissues of interest)

What are the benefits and risks factors of Sonography?

Ultrasound imaging has an extraordinary safety record. It is based totally on non-ionizing radiation, so it does not have the equal risks as X-rays or different kinds of imaging structures that use ionizing radiation.

Although ultrasound imaging is typically viewed protected when used prudently by healthcare providers, ultrasound has ability to produce organic outcomes on the body. Ultrasound waves can warmth the tissues slightly. In some cases, it can additionally produce small pockets of gas in body fluids or tissues (cavitation).

Information for patients which include Expectant Mothers

Ultrasound is the most commonly used clinical imaging technique for viewing the fetus throughout pregnancy.

Routine examinations are carried out to assess and screen the health condition of the fetus and mother.

Ultrasound examinations furnish parents with a valuable probability to view and hear the heartbeat of the fetus, bond with the unborn baby, and seize images to share with household and friends.

In fetal ultrasound, Three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound gives access to the visualization of some facial features and some different parts such as fingers and toes of the fetus.

Four-dimensional (4D) is nothing unique but a regular 3D ultrasound in motion.

While ultrasound is normally viewed to be secure with very low risks, the dangers can also make bigger with needless prolonged exposure to ultrasound energy, or when untrained persons operate the device.

How to prepare for an Ultrasound? 

The steps you will take to put together for an ultrasound will rely on the location or organ that is being examined.

Your doctor may also inform you to fast for eight to 12 hours before your do an sonography, in particular if your stomach is being examined. Undigested meals can block the sound waves, making it difficult for the technician to get a clear picture.

For an examination of the gallbladder, liver, pancreas, or spleen, you may additionally be advised to consume a fat-free meal the night before your examination and then to fast until the procedure.

However, you can proceed to drink water and take any medicinal drugs as instructed.

For different examinations, you may additionally be asked to drink a lot of water and to keep your urine so that your bladder is full and better visualized.

Be certain to tell your medical doctor about any prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, or herbal supplements that you take earlier than the exam.

It’s essential to follow your doctor’s instructions and ask any questions you can also have earlier than the procedure.

An ultrasound consists of minimal risks. Unlike X-rays or CT scans, ultrasounds do not use radiation. For this reason, they are the preferred method for analyzing the fetus all through pregnancy.

How an Ultrasound is performed? 

Before the exam, you may have to wear a specialized gown. You will most likely lie down on a table with a section of your body uncovered for the test.

An ultrasound technician, referred to as a sonographer, will apply a specific lubricating jelly to your skin. This prevents friction and eases rubbing the ultrasound transducer on your skin. The jelly also assists in transmit the sound waves effectively.

The probe sends high-frequency sound waves through the body. The waves bounce back as they hit a dense object, such as an organ or bone. Those echoes are then reflected as images into a computer. The sound waves are at a very high  pitch for the humans to hear. They shape a photo that can be interpreted by the doctor.

Depending on the location being examined, you may need to change your positions so the technician can have better access.

After the procedure, the gel may be cleaned off of your skin. The entire process usually lasts much less than 30 minutes. You will be free to go about your everyday routine after the method has finished.

After an Ultrasound 

Following the exam, your physician will do assessment of the ultrasound pictures and take a look at for any abnormalities.       

Disclaimer: The information provided herein is for patient general knowledge only and should not be used during any medical emergency, for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. Duplication for personal and commercial use must be authorized in writing by Surjen.com.