Ultrasound

An ultrasonic examination

An ultrasound is an imaging test that uses sound waves to create a picture, also known as a sonogram, of internal organs, tissues, and structures inside the body. Unlike x-rays, ultrasounds do not use any radiation and can also show parts of the body in motion such as a heart beating or blood flowing through blood vessels.

Types

There are two main categories of ultrasounds:

1. Pregnancy ultrasound and diagnostic ultrasound. Pregnancy ultrasound is used to look at an unborn baby and can provide information on growth, development, and overall health.
2. Diagnostic ultrasound is used to view and provide information on other internal parts of the body such as the heart, blood vessels, liver, bladder, kidneys, and female reproductive organs.

Uses

Fetal ultrasound

• Ultrasound can be used in various ways, depending on the type of ultrasound and which part of the body is being checked. Pregnancy ultrasound may be done to confirm pregnancy, check the size and position of the unborn baby, estimate gestational age, check for signs of Down syndrome, check for birth defects, or check the amount of amniotic fluid.
• Diagnostic ultrasound may be used to check blood flow, examine the heart, check for blockages, examine the thyroid gland, examine the abdomen, guide a biopsy, help diagnose pelvic pain or abnormal menstrual bleeding or to monitor infertility treatment.

Procedure

The ultrasound procedure includes lying on a table, spreading a gel on the skin, moving a wand-like device over the area, and recording the images on a monitor.

Time

It usually takes around 30-60 minutes.

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