An Ultrasound basically uses waves or sound waves which produce pictures of the inside body, mainly used in cases of pregnancy this technology can be used for other purposes as well and is a healthier option than X-ray vision and the hazardous radiations. It is primarily used to diagnose and detect the cause of pain or infection in the internal body and during pregnancy, the development of the baby. In fact it’s also used to help doctors in biopsies and detect diseases related to the heart.

The procedure of an Ultrasound requires no such special preparation; however one should consult a doctor before it happens. Ultrasound imaging or sonography involves the use of a transducer machine and a gel is rubbed on the belly. It collects sounds that bounce back from the body and the computer creates and image of those sound waves. Standard ultrasound would display the image in thin, flat sections of the person’s body. There are a number of other ultrasound techniques used such as 3-D, 4-D and Doppler ultrasound. It can be used to examine internal organs such as the liver, kidneys, eyes, scrotum and other things. Other than that it is used to guide procedures in needle biopsies, image the breast and guide in breast cancer and diagnose heart conditions and detect diseases.

You should be wearing comfortable clothes, loose fitted while going for an ultrasound. In some situations you might be told not to eat or drink anything before the exam takes place. However you won’t feel any pain after or during the procedure and is mostly tolerated by patients, even to the extent that you will be able to resume you daily activities. Some major benefits include:

• An ultrasound does not need any needle injection
• It isn’t painful and is safe
• Widely available and less expensive
• Preferred for pregnant women
• Provides real time imaging

 

Till date there has been no harmful effect on humans. Some limitations are that the waves may get disrupted by air or gas and in such a setting MRI is preferred. Large patients are more difficult to image as they would have greater amounts of tissue. It can only see the outer surface of the bony structure and not what lies within it except in infants it can go all the way and see the bones as well. If you have further questions then check out 1-800-Sonogram for 3D sonogram centers near you.