Understanding an Ultrasound and its purpose, the procedure, and use

Dr.Meinal Chaudhry, 5 mins read

An ultrasound scan is a medical examination done with the use of uses high-frequency sound waves that capture and render on a screen live image from within the insides of your body you may have also heard of its other name: sonography.

The technology that is used is similar to that used in sonar and radar, used by militaries for detecting infiltrators, planes, tanks, and ships. An ultrasound enables a doctor to directly examine problems in the organs, vessels, and tissues without needing to make any incisions and the most beneficial aspect of this procedure is that, unlike other imaging techniques, ultrasound does not use any radiation. For this exact reason, it is the most preferred means of viewing a developing fetus within a mother’s womb during pregnancy.

Why do we need to perform ultrasounds?

If you’re considering getting an ultrasound in Delhi for whatever reason, but have reservations: fret not, the procedure is safe and you can visit us for the safest and best ultrasound tests in Delhi, Dwarka at Aakash Healthcare. Most people know of ultrasound scans because of pregnancy and the scans indeed provide expecting mothers with their first view of their unborn children but did you know that this test has many other uses as well?

After due diligence, a doctor will order an ultrasound if you’re experiencing pain, swelling, or are faced with other symptoms that do need an internal view of the body’s organs. An ultrasound can also provide an inside view of the brain (for babies), the bladder, gallbladder, kidneys, eyes, ovaries, liver, spleen, pancreas, thyroid, testicles, uterus, and even blood vessels. An ultrasound had also proved itself as a great way to guide the movements of surgeons while they are performing certain medical procedures, for instance, biopsies.

How you’ll have to prepare for an ultrasound?

The steps and measures you’ll have to take in preparation for an ultrasound will mostly depend on the specific area or organ that is going to be examined.

Some doctors do tell their patients to fast for about eight to 12 hours before the ultrasound, especially if the abdomen is being examined. This is done as undigested food may block the sound waves, making it harder for the technical team to get better, clearer pictures.

When it comes to an examination of the gallbladder, liver, pancreas, or spleen, you might be asked to have a fat-free meal the evening before your test and then you’ll need to fast until the time of the procedure. However, you can most certainly continue to have water and take your medications as instructed. For any other examinations, you may have to drink a lot of water and hold in your urine so that your bladder is full which affords better visuals on the images.

Be sure to tell your doctor of any prescription medication, over-the-counter medication, or herbal supplements that you are taking before the ultrasound.

You must follow your doctor’s instructions and feel free to ask any questions you might have before the procedure.

An ultrasound has next to no risk. Unlike X-rays or CT scans, ultrasounds use no radiation. All ultrasounds are safe and have no side effects of concern.

How is an ultrasound performed?

Before the ultrasound, you’ll have to change into a hospital gown, after which you will most probably need to lie down on a table while the section which needs to be examined will be left exposed for the test.

A sonographer; an ultrasound technician, will apply a specific lubricating jelly to your skin which will prevent friction, this enables them to rub the ultrasound transducer easily on your skin. The transducer somewhat looks similar in appearance to a microphone. The jelly also assists in transmitting the sound waves better.

The transducer will send high-frequency sound waves throughout your body and these waves echo when they hit a dense object like an organ or a bone. Those echoes are then reflected into the computer. These sound waves are at such a high pitch that the human ear can’t hear. The ultrasound forms pictures that can be interpreted by the doctor.

Most procedures last less than half an hour and patients are free to go about their normal activities afterward.

After an ultrasound, your doctor will examine and review the images and check for any abnormalities and they’ll discuss the findings with you. If anything, abnormal does turn up on the ultrasound, you may have to undergo other diagnostic techniques, such as CT scans, MRIs, or biopsies on a sample of tissue.

This will greatly help identify the exact cause of the abnormal ultrasound findings and allow your doctor to immediately prescribe medication and begin the next line of treatment.

If you are considering an ultrasound, Doppler ultrasound/color Doppler ultrasound, or ultrasound for a pregnancy test, get one, and don’t worry, the test is quick and painless. Our highly skilled and experienced professionals are available round the clock to help you go through the various tests and procedures. Aakash Healthcare has one of the best ultrasound (USG) centers/hospitals in Dwarka, Delhi, and has one of the best radiologists in Dwarka Delhi. We provide 3D and 4D ultrasounds at an affordable cost in Dwarka, Delhi. 

Also, Read: An Ultrasound Guide for Your Pregnancy