An ultrasound scan is also known as sonography or diagnostic sonography. The USG scan uses sound waves to produce scan images of the internal organs and structures of the body. These images are used to evaluate and diagnose...
Ultrasound, otherwise also known as ultrasonography or sonography is a painless, non invasive and quick imaging test. It produces real time images of the internal organs and structures of the body using sound waves. These scan images can show blood vessels, internal organs,and soft tissues of the body. Ultrasound scan technique is used by the doctors to evaluate and diagnose certain medical conditions such as incisions, stones or others. Unlike other scanning techniques such as X-Rays, CT scan etc, ultrasound scan doesn't use any ionising radiation which eliminates the risk of radiation-based side effects.
What Are the Types of Ultrasound Scan?
Depending upon the area of concern, the ultrasound scan can be of various type such as
- Transvaginal ultrasound
- Obstetric ultrasound
- Transrecal ultrasound
- Endoscopic ultrasound
- Abdominal ultrasound
- Pelvic ultrasound
- Triplex ultrasound (colour flow imaging)
- Duplex ultrasound
- Endoscopic ultrasound
- Echocardiogram
- Vascular ultrasound
- Ultrasound-guided biopsy
- Colour doppler ultrasound
- mammography
Why Is An Ultrasound Scan Used?
Ultrasound scan can be used for various purposes such as
- For viewing and evaluating uterus and ovaries for some suspected disorder such as PCOS
- For keeping the check on baby’s growth and development during pregnancy
- For the diagnosis of gallbladder diseases
- To evaluate the metabolic diseases of bones
- To check for the abnormality pertaining to thyroid gland
- To find and diagnose genital or prostate problems
- It can be used as a guide for needle biopsy procedures
- It can be used in tumour treatment biopsy procedures
- Blood flow can be evaluated using special ultrasound scan
- Inflammatory conditions such as synovitis (inflammation of joints) can be examined by the scan.
- Special ultrasound technique known as mammography can be used for evaluating breasts for some breast lump or cancer.
Uses of Ultrasound Guided Procedures
Commonly the ultrasound guided procedures involve needle placement into certain tissues to collect sample fluid or tissue such as
- Muscles
- Tendons
- Cysts
- Fluid collection areas
- Joints
- Transplant organs such as liver, kidney, pancrase etc.
- Organs such as liver, prostate, kidney, etc
- Soft tissue masses
Procedures Requiring Ultrasound Guidance Include
- Embryo transfer used as a part of in-vitro fertilisation
- To confirm the placement of intrauterine device (IUD) after it's insertion
- Nerve blocks
- Procedures ensuring Lesion localisation
How to Prepare for an Ultrasound Scan?
Most ultrasound procedures do not require any prior preparations. Although in certain special ultrasound scans some preparation might be needed such as
- Gall bladder scan- in gallbladder ultrasound scan, you will be asked to not eat or drink anything for a certain period of time before the exam, which would be instructed and guided by your healthcare provider beforehand
- Pelvic ultrasound scan- the pelvic ultrasound scan usually needs a full bladder. You will be asked to drink as much water as you can, usually 6-7 glasses before the exam. You will be instructed not to urinate or empty bladder before exam as a full bladder allows more clear scan images production and evaluation, that results in accurate diagnosis.
- Young children- young children might need some other additional preparations. Your doctor or healthcare provider unit will guide you about certain instructions that you need to follow before getting an ultrasound scan for your child.
- Clothing - you should wear loose clothes for your ultrasound appointment as the area which is gouging to be examined needs to be cloths free. Also, leaving your valuables such as jewellery or other items should be left home.
During The Procedure
- An ultrasound gel is placed on the area of skin which is to be examined.
- The trained technologist or the doctor hold a transducer handpiece
- The transducer is presser and moved over the area where gel is placed.
- The transducer sends sound waves to your body
- These sound waves bounce back from your organs and are collected by the transducer.
- The transducer is connected to the computer machine that displays the real time image of the area being examined.
- Once The scan is done, the gel is wiped off.
In some specialised scan techniques, the transducer may be inserted into the natural opening of your body such as
- Transesophageal Echocardiogram.- the transducer in this technique is inserted into your oesophagus, to obtain the images of your heart while you are kept under sedation
- Transrectal Ultrasound- this technique involves insertion of the transducer into your rectum. This Technique uses a special transducer which helps in examination of your prostate gland.
- Transvaginal Ultrasound- a special transducer is used in this technique which is to be inserted into your vagina to take the ultrasound pictures of your uterus or ovaries or vagina for any abnormality.
Risks
- Ultrasound scan is a diagnostic tool which uses sound waves to produce scan images of the internal organs of the body. It does not use any ionising radiation hence the radiation related risks are eliminated.
- Ultrasound scan technique has certain limitations such as
- The scan is inefficient in detecting and displaying organs that are placed behind the bony structure such as the brain inside the skull, or the lungs that are present beneath the ribs.
- It is also incapable of detecting and showing the organs that are present too deep into the body. Such organs need to be examined by other scan/diagnostic techniques such as CT scan., MRI scan, PET scan or others.
Conclusion
When your doctor needs to examine your body to confirm and evaluate the organs to make a definite diagnosis, he might order certain diagnostic tests such as an ultrasound scan. An ultrasound scan is an efficient way to diagnose and determine certain conditions pertaining to the various organs of the body. The best diagnostic centre will offer reliable reports and accurate diagnosis.
For Free Consultation From the Doctor
Get connected to our doctor directly
- Dr. Ravin Sharma MBBS, MD Radiology)
- Phone Number- 9212125996
- Available- 24*7*365
Why Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Center For You?
Ganesh Diagnostic Centre is an established and renowned diagnostic centre since 2001.
We have many PET CT scan imaging which can offer report Images online as well. We also offer FLAT 50% OFF on many test.
Their excellence is backed by NABH and NABL Accreditations
NABH accreditation is proof of the highest standard of care and service provided to the patients. NABL accreditation reflects the competency of laboratories and equipment based on some national and international standards.
We are known for providing excellent service and care to its patients for decades having created Lakhs of satisfied patients over the years!
Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre is a one-stop solution for getting all kinds of diagnostic X-rays done, as all services are available under one roof.
GDIC aims to provide the world’s advanced technology at the most reasonable and lowest price.
The rates of scans are reasonably priced. Patients can rely upon x-rays Image reports as reports are 100% accurate.
Note from Ganesh Diagnostic & Imaging Centre
Early checkups are always better than delayed ones. Safety, precaution and care are depicted in the several health checkups at our centre. We are the Nearby imaging centres at your service.
Here, at Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre, we present simple and comprehensive healthcare packages for any kind of diagnostic scan to ensure the early prescribed treatment to safeguard your health.
Find the Best Diagnostic Scanning centre Near you and get your Imaging done at the earliest.
So, visit us at the earliest to ensure good health and to maintain an active lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions Related USG (Ultrasound)
What is an Ultrasound Scan Used For?
Ultrasound is most commonly used during pregnancy to keep a check on the growth and development of the growing foetus. There are certain other uses of ultrasound scan such as for detecting kidney or bladder stones, cysts etc. special ultrasound scans can help evaluate the blood vessels, eyes, breast, abdominal organs etc.
What is Done During an Ultrasound?
An ultrasound scan uses a transducer. At first a gel is placed over the area which is to be examined, the transducer is then moved over the gel placed area to record the internal organs of the body.
Can I Drink Water Before an Ultrasound?
If you are having a pelvic ultrasound, you need to drink approximately 32 punches (4-5 glasses) of water before the exam. You need not to relieve pressure as a full bladder is needed for clear pictures and evaluation.
Can I Eat Before Ultrasound?
You should eat only a light diet such as fruits and vegetables instead of a high-fat and sugar diet which may lead to indigestion and discomfort.
What is the Cost of Ultrasound Scan?
The cost of an ultrasound scan varies on various factors such as the place where you live, the area to be examined, the cost of the doctor and technologist etc. it usually ranges between 1500- 4000 INR.
What is Ultrasound Frequency Used?
The ultrasound scan typically uses frequencies between 2 to 12 MHz. the greater frequency results in the less resolution whereas the lower frequencies produce greater resolution . the lower frequency scans on the other hand cannot penetrate deep.
Ultrasound Uses in Pregnancy
Ultrasound scan is primarily used during pregnancy for monitoring and evaluating your baby’s growth and development. Some early diagnosis can be made on the basis of prenatal ultrasound scans which aid in correct treatment planning.
