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How long does it take?
Depending on the anatomical area being examined, an ultrasound can take 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Does it hurt?
When a transducer is placed inside the body, there is usually no discomfort.
Is ultrasound preferable to x-rays?
Ultrasound may detect certain diseases earlier than is possible with other methods. In certain cases, ultrasound is the preferred initial diagnostic method. It is often complementary to other |
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examinations.
Is ultrasound safe?
Ultrasound does not involve the use of x-rays but instead uses sound waves that are not harmful to the body. Ultrasound can provide information without the risks of surgery.
What is ultrasound?
Ultrasound is a modern medical diagnostic procedure that uses sound waves. It is a noninvasive method of visualizing the body's internal structures.Ultrasound produces better images of certain "soft" tissues (such as the heart) than x-rays because it distinguishes between different forms of tissue. Ultrasound can also show internal motion such as blood flowing through the veins and the heart beating.
Ultrasound’s basic process is simple and painless:
* Transducer
A transducer produces and receives silent, high-frequency sound waves. The transducer is usually a hand-held instrument, which is placed against the body and slowly passed over the area to be examined.
* Sound Waves
Sound waves pass through the skin into the body. Sound waves strike various organs, and then send echoes back to the transducer. Tissue, blood, bone, and fluid produce different echoes which are then separated and identified by the transducer.
* Echoes
Echoes are changed into electrical energy by the transducer. The energy appears as images on a monitor. This will allows physicians to "see" inside the body, and to monitor the movements of organs, such as the heart.
* Photographs and Films
Photographs and films of the images are taken for further study and interpretation.
* Results
Results are sent to the referring physician, who uses these results along with the patient's medical history and other tests to make a diagnosis and determine treatment.
What can ultrasound evaluate?
Ultrasound is a widely used diagnostic tool in evaluating abdominal organs and vascular structures.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer
In diagnosing and treating cancer, ultrasound can be used to:
* Locate Abnormal Growths (cysts, tumors, etc.)
It can help determine the best method of treatment.
* Evaluate Therapy
by revealing the size and shape of a tumor.
During Pregnancy
Ultrasound can provide important information about both mother and child. For example:
* Delivery Date
Physicians can get an idea of the baby's age by measuring the size of the skull and abdominal region.
* Development
Physicians can check the baby's organs, weight, etc.
* Multiple Babies
An ultrasound can determine whether more than one baby is on the way.
What can I expect from an exam?
The following are explanations of a typical exam. Exams may differ based on the individual patient.
The basic procedure is simple and painless:
* Examining Table
You will lie down on an examining table. Mineral oil or water-based gel is applied to the skin over the area to be examined.
* Transducer
The transducer will be passed over the specified area several times. Most exams take about 45 minutes.
* Further procedures
Physicians sometimes place a transducer inside the body to get a closer view of the area being studied. A common example is the endovaginal exam. In this case, a transducer, slightly larger than a tampon, is inserted into the vagina. This procedure takes about 15 minutes.
How should I prepare?
The preparation requirements vary from study to study. You may be asked to drink fluids or fast. For more information, click Preparations.
Ultrasound personnel
Personnel includes physicians with specialized knowledge in reading ultrasound images and sonographers. |
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