- WHAT IS AN ULTRASOUND TEST
- WHY DO WE NEED AN ULTRASOUND TEST ? ( USES AND APPLICATIONS OF ULTRASONOGRAPHY)
- WHAT ARE THE DIIFERENT TYPES OF ULTRASOUND TESTS ?
- WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE AND OUTCOME OF AN ULTRASOUND TEST ?
- RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH ULTRASOUND IMAGING ? ( IS ULTRASOUND SAFE )
WHAT IS AN ULTRASOUND TEST ?
Ultrasound (sonography or ultrasonography) is a non-invasive imaging test. An ultrasound picture is called a sonogram. High-frequency sound waves are used to create real-time pictures or video of internal organs or other soft tissues in an ultrasound test.
WHY DO WE NEED AN ULTRASOUND TEST ?
Many people link ultrasound with pregnancy however, healthcare providers use ultrasound for many different situations and to look at several different parts inside your body.
Ultrasound can be used for many reasons, such as:
- To view the uterus and ovaries during pregnancy and monitor the developing baby’s health
- To diagnose gallbladder disease
- To evaluate blood flow
- To guide a needle for biopsy or tumor treatment
- Examining breast lump/s
- Examining thyroid gland
- To find genital and prostate problems
- Assessing synovitis.
- Evaluation of metabolic bone disease etc.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF ULTRASOUND TEST ?
Two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound : It is the most common form of ultrasound, which creates a black and white image that shows the skeletal structure of the baby and makes the internal organs visible. It is most commonly used to diagnosis the health of the baby. 2D ultrasound images are flat and have no depth to them.
Three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound: It is a technique that converts standard 2D grayscale ultrasound images into a volumetric dataset. The 3D image can then be reviewed retrospectively. The technique was developed for problem-solving (particularly in obstetric/gynecologic exams) and to potentially reduce the operator dependence of ultrasound imaging.
Four-dimensional (4D) ultrasound : This also create a 3D image and provide an even clear image of the baby. The 4D ultrasound is created while capturing a video of your baby. We then scroll through the video and save still images. With 4D ultrasound imaging, you could potentially see your baby smile or yawn in the womb because it compiles hundreds of images into a moving video.
HD Ultrasound, HD Live Ultrasound, 5D Ultrasound :As the most recent advancement in ultrasound technology, HD and HD Live (also called 5D Ultrasound ) ultrasounds allow us to capture even clearer, sharper images. These images are more defined and have better resolution.
PROCEDURE AND OUTCOME OF AN ULTRASOUND TEST ?
PROCEDURE : Firsty gel is applied to skin over the area being examined. It helps prevent air pockets, which can block the sound waves that create the images. This safe, water-based gel is easy to remove from skin and, if needed, clothing.
A sonographer presses a small, hand-held device called transducer against the area being examined and moves it as needed to capture the images. The transducer sends sound waves into your body, collects the ones that bounce back and sends them to a computer, which creates the images.
Sometimes, ultrasounds are done inside your body. In this case, the transducer is attached to a probe that’s inserted into a natural opening in your body.
OUTCOMES :
Once the test is done , a radiologist analyzes the images and sends a report to your doctor. Your doctor will share the results with you.
You should be able to return to normal activities immediately after an ultrasound.
RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH ULTRASOUND IMAGING
Research has largely shown ultrasound technology to be safe with no harmful side effects. Ultrasound doesn’t use radiation, unlike some other medical imaging tests, such as X-rays and CT scans.
Still, all ultrasounds should be done by a professional who has training in using this specialized technology safely.
*DISCLAIMER : THIS ARTICLE IS NOT AN SUBSTITUTE OF ANY MEDICAL ADVICE . PLEASE CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN BEFORE TAKING ANY DECISION RELATED TO YOUR HEALTH AND WELLNESS *
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sources: mayoclinic.org , clevelandclinic.org , https://anticipationultrasoundstudio.com/the-difference-between-2d-3d-4d-and-5d-ultrasounds , unsplash.com , vinita hospital , google.com