Ultrasound Scan
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Introduction
Ultrasound scan is a safe and painless imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create detailed images of the inside of the body. It is a versatile tool that can be used to diagnose a wide range of medical conditions, including:
- Pregnancies
- Tumors
- Gallstones
- Other abnormalities
How Ultrasound scan Works
Ultrasound works by sending high-frequency sound waves into the body. The sound waves bounce off of the different organs and tissues in the body, and the echoes are then picked up by a transducer. The transducer converts the echoes into electrical signals, which are then sent to a computer. The computer uses the electrical signals to create an image of the inside of the body.
Benefits of Ultrasound scan
- Safety: Unlike X-rays and CT scans, ultrasound does not use radiation. This makes it safe for people of all ages, including pregnant women and babies.
- Versatility: It can be used to image a wide range of body parts, including the abdomen, pelvis, breasts, heart, blood vessels, and musculoskeletal system.
- Painless: The procedure is painless and does not require any needles or injections.
- Real-time imaging: Ultrasound images are available immediately, which allows doctors to see how structures are moving and functioning in real-time.
- Cost-effective: This is a relatively inexpensive imaging technique compared to other options like MRI and CT scans.
Disadvantages of Ultrasound scan
- Limited image quality: Ultrasound images may not be as detailed as images from other imaging techniques, such as MRI or CT scans.
- Limited penetration: The waves cannot penetrate bone, which limits its ability to image certain parts of the body, such as the lungs and brain.
- Operator dependence: The quality of the ultrasound images can vary depending on the skill of the technician performing the test.
General Instruction
- Ultrasounds are painless procedures with no exposure to radiation, making it safer for pregnant females who are not recommended to undergo x-ray or CT during pregnancy.
- Always wear comfortable clothing that is easy to change or partially remove. In some procedures, patients may need to change to a gown which will be provided at the center.
- A water-based gel is applied to the area undergoing the scan so that the probe/transducer can easily glide across the skin surface without any obstruction.
- Different types of ultrasounds have different pre-procedure requirements. Some may require patients to not eat or drink anything for a number of hours before the test.
- Some procedures may require the patient to drink enough water to fill up the bladder before the procedure happens.
- Ultrasound generally takes anywhere between 10 mins to an hour depending on the type of procedure.
