All You Need to Know About Ultrasound Scans for Accurate Diagnosis

How Does an Ultrasound Scan Work?

When you are going through an ultrasound (USG) scan, a healthcare provider passes a device known as the transducer or probe over a body area. The next step is the application of a thin layer of gel to your skin to transmit ultrasound waves from the transducer into the body.

The probe converts electrical currents into high-frequency sound waves and sends waves into body tissues. A computer then converts electrical signals into accurate images, which are analysed by your healthcare professional.

What are the Types of Ultrasound Scans?

There are two major ultrasound imaging categories, which include pregnancy ultrasound and diagnostic ultrasound imaging. Pregnancy ultrasounds monitor fetal health, while diagnostic ultrasounds assess internal organs and tissues for various conditions.

Here’s a comprehensive view of the types of ultrasound scans for your overview:

1. Pregnancy Ultrasound

Diagnostic professionals often use ultrasound scans, which are also known as obstetric or prenatal ultrasound, to monitor the condition of the fetus during pregnancy.

• Prenatal ultrasounds are useful to confirm pregnancy and assess the presence of several fetuses.
• Assessment of the fetal growth and position, focusing on movement and heart rate.
• Appropriate examination of any form of congenital conditions, such as birth defects in the fetal brain, spinal cord, and heart.
• Ultrasounds are also useful for measuring the amount of amniotic fluid present.

Note: It is recommended to take an ultrasound scan at 20 weeks of pregnancy to check the development of the fetus.

2. Diagnostic Ultrasound

Diagnosis using ultrasound scans is effective to assess the internal parts of your body and isolate symptoms such as unexplained pains, lumps, and more.

• Abdominal Ultrasound: The ultrasound probe moves across the abdomen to diagnose the cause of abdominal pain.
• Renal Ultrasound: The test is critical to understand the size, shape, and location of your kidneys. Moreover, it helps detect cysts, obstructions, or tumours within the kidneys.
• Pelvic Ultrasound: The test is vital for assessing the lower abdomen, including the bladder, prostate, rectum, ovaries, uterus, and vagina.
• Thyroid Ultrasound: The examination is vital for assessing the thyroid gland and detecting nodules or lesions.

Also read: Comprehensive Radiology Care in India: Eskag Sanjeevani Radiology’s Impact on Diagnostics

Primary Uses for an Ultrasound Scan

Ultrasound scans are useful for detecting and diagnosing conditions and are useful for developing a treatment strategy. Moreover, it provides detailed insights into the thyroid, liver, muscles, and blood vessels, aiding in accurate diagnosis.

Here are some of the common uses:

• Examination of organs, such as the thyroid glands, the breast, the prostate, and the liver.
• Examination of muscles, tendons, and ligaments is useful for assessing sprains, strains, trapped nerves, and muscle tears.
• Appropriate monitoring of blood flow, blood clots, aneurysms, and the narrowing of arteries.
• An effective diagnostic process for isolating the correct position for invasive procedures, such as a biopsy.

Now, let’s understand how you can prepare yourself for an ultrasound scan.

How do You Prepare for an Ultrasound Scan?

Before an ultrasound scan, your healthcare provider may ask you to avoid eating or drink plenty of water, depending on the area being examined.

Here are some of the key considerations to keep in mind before preparing for an ultrasound scan:

• It is essential to keep all your documents in hand, including any previous test reports, and to mention them before going for a test.
• During some ultrasound procedures, you may need to fast or drink a lot of water before commencing the procedure. Therefore, it is essential to consult your healthcare professional before undergoing an ultrasound.
• It is essential to keep all your jewellery and belongings in a safe place before going for an ultrasound procedure.

Next, let’s explore some of the core benefits of an ultrasound procedure.

Benefits of an Ultrasound Procedure

Ultrasound procedures are highly versatile, enabling real-time monitoring during medical procedures such as biopsies. They offer excellent imaging quality without the discomfort of other diagnostic methods, ensuring a smoother patient experience.

Here are some of the advantages of an ultrasound examination:

• Ultrasound processes do not cause significant discomfort for patients and do not require incisions, needles, or other invasive procedures.
• There is absolutely no use of ionising radiation in ultrasound procedures, and the method is not dangerous for patients compared to conventional diagnostic imaging. Moreover, there is no adverse effect associated with ultrasound scans.
• Ultrasound processes are cheaper than conventional imaging for diagnosis, and the overall accessibility of the test is much higher than for other procedures.

Are There Any Risks for an Ultrasound Examination

There is no radiation involved in the ultrasound process, and therefore, it is considered safe for patients and is a routine procedure for pregnant women. The sound waves used for the process are beyond the threshold of human hearing, and therefore, the process does not cause any harm to human beings.