Guiding Questions
In this blog we’re going to be investigating how and why a doctor does an ultrasound during a check-up. A lot of people don’t know what doctors are looking for, and they have questions like:
- Why do I need an ultrasound?
- How does an ultrasound work in the first place?
Reasons For An Ultrasound
An ultrasound is a noninvasive imaging test. It uses high frequency sound waves to map out the soft tissues inside the body. It can create images and videos of the body in real time. Ultrasounds have many uses, but the main reasons doctors use them are for pregnancy, diagnostics, and guidance.
- Pregnancy: This is the main use people associate ultrasounds with. Ultrasounds can be used to find out a fetus’ age, sex, heart rate, possible defects, and even if there are multiple fetuses. Most women undergo an ultrasound at 20 weeks of gestation.
- Diagnostics: Ultrasounds can also be used to diagnose conditions. The probe can be placed on the abdomen, pelvis, neck, or breasts, in order to check for sources of pain, investigate lumps, or check abnormal blood test results. The ultrasound is a very versatile painless experience for the patient.
- Procedure Guidance: A less common use, but still vital nonetheless. Ultrasounds can be used for guidance during procedures. The ultrasound can see into the body and help guide needles for biopsy, IVF, or nerve blocks. The ultrasound doesn’t diagnose anything, but instead makes the procedure more precise.
Steps To An Ultrasound
Ultrasounds are a simple, noninvasive procedure. Therefore, there is minimal risk involved. Let’s learn about how an ultrasound procedure works.
- Preparation: Depending on the area being scanned, you may be asked to follow specific instructions beforehand. For an abdominal scan, you might need to fast for several hours to reduce gas and ensure the gallbladder is clear. For a pelvic scan, You may need to drink several glasses of water an hour before the test to ensure your bladder is full, which lifts the intestines out of the way. Furthermore, you’ll likely be asked to change into a hospital gown or simply lift your clothing to expose the area being examined.
- Positioning: You will be asked to lie down on a comfortable, padded examination table. Usually, you are on your back, but the technician performing the scan might ask you to roll onto your side to get a better angle of certain organs.
- Gel Application: The technician applies a clear, water-based conductive gel to your skin. This is because sound waves travel poorly through air. The gel eliminates air pockets between the skin and the device, allowing the sound waves to transmit directly into your body. It might feel a bit cold, so many clinics use gel warmers for comfort.
- Transducer Usage: The technician presses a small, handheld device called a transducer against the gelled area and moves it back and forth. The transducer sends out high frequency sound waves. These waves bounce off internal organs and tissues. The transducer picks up the reflections that bounce back. A computer measures these sounds and instantly turns them into moving images on a nearby monitor.
- Capturing Images: During the scan, the technician will freeze the image at specific points to take measurements or clear snapshots.
- Cleanup And Conclusion: Once the technician has all the necessary views, the gel is wiped off your skin and you can get dressed and go about your normal day immediately. The images are sent to a radiologist, a doctor who specializes in interpreting medical images.
Review
Here are some questions to review your knowledge about ultrasounds.
- How many weeks of gestation do women typically undergo an ultrasound ? 20 weeks
- Ultrasounds can be used to guide what for biopsies? Needles
- In what position are ultrasound usually taken in? On The Back
- What is the small, handheld device used in ultrasounds called? The Transducer
DISCLAIMER: THIS BLOG POST DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE
The blog post and everything contained on it is for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
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