Ultrasound Test
Overview
Ultrasound imaging, also known as sonography, uses high-frequency sound waves to create pictures of the inside of the body. This technique helps doctors see organs, tissues, and other internal structures. Most procedures use a device on the outside of the body, but some may need a small probe placed inside.
Advantages
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Non-invasive | No surgery or cutting is needed. |
| No Radiation | Uses sound waves instead of X-rays. |
| Real-Time Images | Shows movement and flow right away. |
| Widely Available | Offered in many clinics and hospitals. |
Common Medical Uses of Ultrasound
Doctors use ultrasound to examine various organs and systems:
- Pregnancy: Doctors track the baby’s growth, check the uterus, and look at the ovaries with ultrasound.
- Blood Vessels: They examine blood flow in veins and arteries, showing blockages or clots.
- Soft Tissues and Organs: Doctors check the liver, kidneys, thyroid, and gallbladder for disease or damage.
- Cancer and Growths: Ultrasound helps find lumps in the breast, prostate, or other organs and assists with biopsies.
- Joint and Muscle Problems: Physicians use it to see swelling, injuries, or inflammation in joints.
- Reproductive Health: Ultrasound checks for issues in the uterus, ovaries, testicles, or prostate.
Guiding Procedures
Doctors use ultrasound to guide needles safely for biopsies or treatments. This technique allows them to see where the needle is going, making the procedure safer.
Other Uses
Doctors use ultrasound for many other conditions, from checking heart valves to looking for stones or blockages in the bladder. They also use it to find problems in children, like birth defects or developmental issues. If someone has symptoms that suggest trouble inside their body—like pain, swelling, or bleeding—doctors may recommend an ultrasound to help find answers quickly and safely.
Possible Issues
Ultrasound does not use x-rays or any form of ionizing radiation, making it much safer than some other imaging tests. It uses low-power sound waves, and patients typically do not feel pain during the process. Some people may experience mild pressure or discomfort if the probe needs to be pressed firmly against the skin, especially in sensitive areas.
| Factor | Risk Level |
|---|---|
| X-rays | Not used |
| Radiation | None |
| Discomfort | Occasionally mild |
Ultrasound cannot image through air or bone, so it is not useful for every part of the body. If images are unclear, doctors may order other tests like CT, MRI, or X-ray.
Getting Ready for Your Appointment
Clinics encourage patients to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes to the appointment. Some tests with the ultrasound machine may require changing into a gown provided by the clinic. It is best to avoid wearing jewelry or metal items, as these might need to be removed before the technologist uses the transducer on the skin.
For safety and convenience, bring only essential personal items and leave valuables at home. If you need a full bladder for your test, follow any instructions from the healthcare team about drinking water before arriving. The ultrasound technologist will let you know if any special steps are needed, such as not eating before the exam.
What You Can Expect
Before the ultrasound scan, staff may ask patients to take off jewelry from the scan area and change into a medical gown. They might also need to move or remove clothing, depending on the body part being checked, such as the abdomen, scrotum, or thyroid.
In some cases, directions about having a full or empty bladder are given before the exam, especially for pelvic or prostate scans. Most ultrasounds, like pelvic ultrasounds or sonograms for pregnancy, start with the person lying on an exam table.
| Preparation Step | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Remove jewelry | Clear the area for better images. |
| Change into a gown | Keep clothing out of the way. |
| Lie on exam table | Position for the scan. |
| Follow special instructions | Certain scans require either a full or empty bladder for optimal results. |
What Happens During the Scan
Once set up, staff place a water-based gel on the skin over the spot being checked, like the abdomen or neck for a thyroid scan. This gel removes air between the skin and the device, helping produce real-time pictures. The sonographer then moves a handheld device, called a transducer, over the area.
Sound waves from the transducer bounce back to create images on a screen. In some cases, the sonographer gently places the transducer into the rectum (for prostate exams), vagina (for pelvic ultrasound), or even the esophagus for heart images. These types may cause some mild discomfort, but the test itself is usually painless.
The scan usually takes 30 to 60 minutes, and the gel is easy to wipe off afterward. Patients may feel slight pressure as the sonographer moves the transducer, but the procedure does not use radiation and is considered safe. The images help in checking organs and tissues, such as the uterus, scrotum, prostate, or thyroid.
Findings
After the ultrasound, a radiologist carefully reviews the images to check for signs of abnormalities such as tumors or unusual blood flow. If the radiologist sees anything concerning, the report may recommend follow-up steps, which can include a biopsy to confirm or rule out cancer. Most patients can immediately resume regular routines after the test.
