Things you need to know about an ultrasound scan

When we hear the word "ultrasound," most of us picture a mother lying on a bed and eagerly watching her little one on a monitor while she goes to the doctor, right? This scan is probably best known because it is also used to determine the gender of the baby. It's true, and this test is the most common use of ultrasound during pregnancy. However, the benefits of this amazing technology don't stop there. It is a very important medical test that is used to detect various diseases in our body.

Simply put, what is this ultrasound?

Ultrasound is a medical technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the organs and soft tissues inside our bodies. It is also called sonography. Usually, this scan is done from outside the body, that is, with a special device placed on top of the skin. However, in some cases, this scan is also done using small instruments that are inserted through natural openings in the body. Now you may be wondering what the difference is between an X-ray and an ultrasound. Both are tests used to look inside the body. However, an X-ray uses a small amount of radiation . We know that X-rays are used to see things like broken bones. However, an ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves that are inaudible to the human ear . This is the main and most important difference. Therefore, an ultrasound is a very safe test.

How does this technology work?

It works on a very simple principle. Imagine a bat flying at night, emitting sound waves to detect obstacles in front of it and analyzing the echoes that come back. In an ultrasound scan, a small handheld device called a 'transducer' is used. This is what sends high-frequency sound waves that are inaudible to our ears into the body. These sound waves are then detected by various organs in the body (e.g. the liver) ., kidneys) and are reflected back. The transducer captures the returning waves (echoes). A computer then analyzes this information and displays it on a computer screen in real time as a picture of the relevant organ. There are specially trained technicians (Sonographers) who perform this test. The pictures they take are examined by a radiologist or the doctor who is treating you, and the diagnosis is made.

What are the uses of an ultrasound scan?

Its uses are very wide-ranging. Let's see what it is mainly used for.

During pregnancy

This is the practice we all know.

• Confirm pregnancy.
• Calculate the due date for the baby.
• See if there are twins or more.
• Check the baby's growth, heartbeat, and movements.
• Confirm whether it is an ectopic pregnancy.
• Check to see if the baby has any birth defects in organs such as the brain, heart, or spine .
• Check for any problems with the placenta and things like breech positioning.
• Many parents eagerly wait to find out the gender of their baby.

For diagnosis

Ultrasound is essential for diagnosing diseases related to various organs and soft tissues in our body. For example:

• Heart and blood vessels
• Liver, gallbladder, pancreas
• Kidneys, bladder
• Uterus, ovaries
• Thyroid gland, testicles
• Conditions such as lumps in the breasts

But this also has limitations. These sound waves do not travel well through dense bone and through air or gas-filled spaces (e.g., the intestines). Therefore, it is not very suitable for examining such areas.

Guide medical procedures

Sometimes it is necessary to take a piece of tissue (biopsy) from a very specific place inside the body. In that case, ultrasound is used to guide the doctor to insert the needle into the exact location.

For treatment

Although this may seem surprising, ultrasound technology is also used to treat some soft tissue injuries.

Main types of ultrasound scans

There are several types of ultrasound scans, depending on how they are performed and the organ being examined. Let's understand these clearly with a table.

What are the benefits of an ultrasound?

There are several benefits to having an ultrasound scan.

• No pain: This test is usually painless. No needles, injections, or incisions are required.
• Very safe: There is no exposure to ionizing radiation like in X-rays or CT scans. Therefore, it is very safe for pregnant women and even young children. When used correctly, there are no known side effects.
• Shows soft tissues well: Images of soft tissues and organs that do not show up well on an X-ray can be obtained very clearly.
• Easily available and inexpensive: Ultrasound machines are available in more hospitals and clinics than most other types of scans. They are also relatively inexpensive.

What to expect when going for a scan?

If you're scheduled for an ultrasound scan, there's nothing to be too worried about. Let's talk a little about what usually happens.

Before the scan

The doctor will give you specific instructions depending on the type of scan you have.

• If you are having an abdominal scan, you may be asked to refrain from eating or drinking for a few hours before the test .
• If you are having a pelvic scan, you may be asked to drink a few glasses of water and have a full bladder . This is because a full bladder helps organs like the uterus to be seen more clearly.
• Wear light clothing that you can easily remove. You may need to wear a hospital gown.

During the scan

A scan usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes. 1. You will be asked to lie down on a bed and remove any clothing from the area being examined. 2. Next, the technician will apply a water-based gel to the area. This may feel a little cold. This gel is applied to the area so that there is no air between the transducer and your skin, allowing the sound waves to penetrate better. 3. Then, the technician will place the transducer over the gel-coated area and gently move it back and forth, applying pressure, while looking at the computer screen. 4. You will not feel any pain. You will remain conscious throughout the test. Sometimes the technician will also explain what is being seen on the screen to you.

After the scan

When the test is over, the gel will be wiped off and you can go home. If you were not given sedation, you can drive, eat, and drink normally. If you had a scan that required anesthesia (such as a Transesophageal Echocardiogram), you will need to wait a few hours for the anesthesia to wear off. You will also need someone to drive you home. The time it takes to get the results varies depending on the type of scan. For a pregnancy scan, you may be able to get the results right away. For other scans, a radiologist will review the images and write a report that will be sent to your doctor. Ultrasound, Scan, Pregnancy, Sonogram, Diagnostic Imaging