Why is ultrasound performed?
Ultrasound is used to create detailed images of internal body structures using sound waves. This technology is essential for diagnosing and monitoring many medical conditions as it is safe and non-invasive. Ultrasound can identify and assess the condition of organs, detect abnormalities such as tumors or cysts, and monitor blood flow in blood vessels. It is also often used during pregnancy to monitor fetal development.
Ultrasound is used to:
- Examine organs such as the liver, kidneys and heart.
- Assess blood flow in blood vessels.
- Monitor fetal development during pregnancy.
- Detect abnormalities such as tumors or cysts.
Ultrasound scan for pregnant women
Ultrasound scanning is an essential part of pregnancy care, ensuring that both mother and baby are healthy. During pregnancy, ultrasound is used to confirm gestational age, detect multiple pregnancies, and assess fetal growth and position. This is especially important in the early stages to determine an accurate due date and ensure the pregnancy is developing normally.
In later stages of pregnancy, ultrasound scans can be used to check the baby's anatomy and detect any malformations or abnormalities. Doctors can also assess the position of the placenta and the amount of amniotic fluid, which is crucial for planning a safe delivery. Regular scans provide both doctors and expectant parents with valuable information and reassurance throughout the pregnancy.
An ultrasound scan uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of a person's internal body structures. Doctors often use ultrasound to examine a developing fetus (unborn child), a person's abdominal and pelvic organs, muscles and tendons, or their heart and blood vessels.
How is an ultrasound scan performed?
When you need to have an ultrasound, you will be guided through each step of the process to ensure that you feel safe and well-informed. Here's what you can expect:
Arrival
You will be welcomed and asked to take a seat in the waiting room.
Preparation
You will be called into an examination room where you will need to remove clothing from the area to be examined.
On the examination table
You lie comfortably on a treatment table.
Application of gel
A clear gel is applied to the skin to ensure good contact with the ultrasound transducer.
Investigation
The transducer is moved over the relevant area, while images are displayed on a screen.
End
The gel is removed, and you can get dressed again.
Are there any risks?
Ultrasound is a safe procedure with no known risks as it uses sound waves rather than ionizing radiation. This means there is no exposure to harmful rays, making ultrasound a preferred choice for both adults and children. Furthermore, ultrasound is non-invasive, meaning there is no need for surgery or needles, and the procedure is generally painless. The safety and comfort that ultrasound offers makes it a widely used method in medical diagnostics and monitoring.
Results and follow-up
The results are analyzed by a doctor, who explains the findings and discusses any further investigations or treatments.
If you have questions or wish to book an appointment for an ultrasound scan, please feel free to contact us. We are here to ensure you receive the best possible treatment.
Frequently asked questions about ultrasound
An ultrasound scan uses sound waves to create images of the body's internal structures and is a safe and painless procedure.
Some scans require you to fast or drink water before the examination, depending on which part of the body is being scanned.
An ultrasound scan typically takes 30 minutes, depending on the complexity of the examination.