Ultrasound

Ultrasound: What You Need to Know

Ultrasound has been used in medical testing and imaging for decades. It is used routinely to assess pregnancy, detect tumors, diagnose musculoskeletal ligament and tendon damage, and evaluate heart, liver, and kidney function. Ultrasound is a safe and painless procedure with a low risk of complications and few side effects.

What Is Ultrasound?

Ultrasound is a type of imaging technology that uses high-frequency sound waves to create picture images. The sound waves travel into the body and bounce off organs, tissues, and other structures. The reflected sound waves create an image that is displayed on a computer monitor. Ultrasound is different from x-ray and computed tomography (CT) scans because it doesn't expose the patient to radiation.

What Are the Types of Ultrasound?

Different types of ultrasound are used for different medical procedures. A few of the most common types of the ultrasound are:

• Doppler ultrasound, which examines how a bodily fluids flow
• 3-D and 4D ultrasound, which provide an in-depth view of structures in the body
• Transvaginal ultrasound, which examines female reproductive organs
• Echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart

How Is Ultrasound Done?

Ultrasound is a noninvasive procedure, meaning no incisions are made in the body. The patient lies on a table and the technician applies a gel to the skin and then moves a transducer (a probe) across the body. The transducer sends sound waves into the body and the reflected sound waves are interpreted by a computer that produces images of the internal organs and structures. The entire procedure takes about 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the type of ultrasound being performed.

What Are the Risks of Ultrasound?

Ultrasound is a safe procedure with few side effects. The procedure does not involve radiation, which is the risk associated with other imaging tests, such as X-ray and CT scans. In rare cases, there may be some skin irritation or redness from the ultrasound gel. Rarely, complications may include damage to the skin or overheating of tissues.

Why Is Ultrasound Done?

Ultrasound is used to diagnose a variety of medical conditions, such as:

• Cancer of the liver, kidney, gallbladder, pancreas, and other organs
• Abnormalities in the fetus during pregnancy
• Blood clots
• Abnormalities of the heart and aorta
• Problems with the gallbladder, kidneys, spleen, and pancreas
• Liver cirrhosis
• Abnormalities in the uterus and ovaries
• Tumors of the thyroid and other neck structures
• Problems with the veins in the legs and arms

When Is Ultrasound Recommended?

Ultrasound is recommended as a first line diagnostic tool for many medical conditions. In most cases, it is a safe and painless procedure that can provide clear images of internal organs and structures within the body. It is also used to identify tumors, measure blood flow, detect fluid accumulation, assess heart function, measure amniotic fluid levels, and detect irregularities in skeletal structure and joint function.

Conclusion

Ultrasound is a valuable diagnostic tool for many medical conditions. It is a safe and noninvasive procedure that does not involve radiation. The procedure is quick and produces clear images of the various structures within the body. Ultrasound is often recommended as an initial test for the diagnosis of a wide range of medical conditions.