Ultrasound scans (also known as sonography) are performed to diagnose the conditions by taking an image of the body inside using an ultrasound device. Different reasons may need ultrasound scans, such as to check ongoing treatment progress or to evaluate the baby’s health inside the womb.
This method uses high-frequency sound waves for imaging the inside body structure. Ultrasound scans are performed outside the body, but a specialist may place a small device inside the body (in some cases). One of the best experts in ultrasound scans in Glasgow reveals at a conference that it is also a highly-preferred scanning method for pregnancy.
What are the Reasons to Perform Ultrasound Scans?
As we have discussed, it helps to diagnose diseases and conditions. An ultrasound can help you get different imaging tests, including:
- Diagnose the metabolic bone disease
- Check blood flow
- Examine the thyroid gland
- Diagnose prostrate and genital problems
- See ovaries and uterus to monitor the baby’s development inside the womb
- Assist the tumor treatment and needle guidance for biopsy
- View the health of inside organs
What are the Risk Factors of Ultrasound?
There are no risk factors for ultrasound scans but only for low-power sound waves. These scans can help detect the inside body objects without any pain using non-invasive techniques. But ultrasound scans are unable to find the deep or hidden objects in the body and are not preferred for the head or lungs. A doctor may order some other tests for such conditions, like MRI, CT, X-rays, etc.
What are the Preparations for Ultrasound?
A sonographer or doctor provides the details of how to be prepared for an ultrasound scan. The preparations also depend on the areas of your body. For some specific ultrasounds like pelvic ultrasound, you need to drink a lot of water or any fluid to fill your bladder and need to hold urine during scans. It gives a complete view of your inside organs, including your bladder, ovaries, etc.
For a gallbladder scan, a professional may ask you to avoid eating or drinking anything and need to fast until your scan is done. If you have scheduled an ultrasound for your child, discuss with a pediatrician about the preparations.
How is an Ultrasound Scan Performed?
An ultrasound technician performs an ultrasound, and the very first step is to apply a lubricating jelly to your skin. This jelly substance helps to transfer the waves inside the body. It can help prevent friction while rubbing an ultrasound transducer on the skin. When the sound waves pass through your skin, they create an image when hit by a dense object inside the body.
Then, it forms a picture that is interpreted by a professional. Your sonographer can ask to change your position during an ultrasound. For example, a technician can ask you to change body position according to scanning for each inside body organ, including ovaries, kidneys, liver, etc.
It is a painless procedure and will take only 20 to 30 minutes to examine. The duration of an ultrasound scan also depends on the area of the body. A professional or sonographer will share the results with you or your doctor to get the treatment.
Summary
Ultrasound scans diagnose diseases and conditions and do not contain any risk factors that can affect your health. You should discuss ultrasound preparations with the doctor. If you have been experiencing any signs or symptoms, get yourself checked and diagnose the cause to get the proper treatment. It will help to reduce the progress of a disease or a condition.
