Using high-frequency sound waves, an ultrasonic scan generates an image of a person’s inner bodily systems.It is widely used to examine a developing foetus, abdominal and pelvic organs, muscles and tendons, and the heart and blood arteries of a person. An ultrasound scan is also known as a sonogram or an echocardiography (when imaging the heart).
High-frequency sound waves are directed at the interior body structures being investigated by the ultrasound equipment. The echoes, or reflected noises, are captured to produce a picture that may be viewed on a monitor. A tiny, hand-held probe is used to transmit and receive sound waves. The sound’s high frequency prevents the human ear from hearing it, which is why it’s termed ultrasonic.
In most cases, an ultrasound scan is non-invasive (done from outside the body). Some scans, however, need the use of a specific probe put into the person’s vagina for some obstetric or pelvicexaminations, rectum for some prostate tests, or oesophagus for some heart examinations, and the same for pets with veterinary ultrasound. Doctors may utilize ultrasound scanning to monitor and guide invasive procedures such as a biopsy of a person’s breast or thyroid gland.
Ultrasound scans have a variety of applications.
Ultrasound is widely used by doctors for treatments such as:
- Abdominal scans – used to look into abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, strange noises, and tumours. The gallbladder, bile ducts, liver, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, and major blood arteries may all be checked. Because air inhibits the transmission of sound waves, ultrasonography cannot be used to investigate structures that contain air such as the stomach and intestines.
- Pregnancy and pelvic scans – used to check for foetal anomalies including spina bifida, as well as to determine the age and location of a foetus and to track foetal growth and development.
- Musculoskeletal scans of the shoulder, hip, and elbow, as well as breast scans, are some of the additional applications. For example, a scan of a person’s eye to examine its inner structures and to further explore an anomaly found by physical examination or mammography.
- Doppler ultrasonography is a form of ultrasound that detects the speed and direction of blood flow in specific areas of the body, such as the neck arteries and leg veins.
How is an ultrasound technique is performed?
You will need to lay down on an examining table or bed for an upper abdomen ultrasound. The ultrasound technician, also known as a sonographer, will apply some gel to your skin to help the ultrasonic probe make better contact with your body. The hand-held probe will then be placed on your skin over the bodily part, organ, or tissue that is being examined.
The two-dimensional (or occasionally three-dimensional) images are shown on a monitor in real time.
Other ultrasounds may need a somewhat different technique. A woman having her pelvis examined could have a transvaginal scan, which includes putting a special ultrasonic probe into the vagina rather than, or in addition to, scanning via the front of the pelvis.
As you can see, the need for ultrasound when it comes to women especially is really high.
