Ultrasound

An ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging method. It uses high-intensity sound waves to detect the presence of any abnormality in the body. It helps to see the functioning of the structures in the body. It does not use radiation. It can be used in pregnancy and also to detect various disease conditions. It is also called sonography and the picture it produces is called a sonogram.

Technique:

A special device called the transducer is used by the healthcare provider to do an ultrasound. A special gel is applied over the body to remove entrapped air pockets that can interfere with the ultrasound waves and also as a conductor to transmit the sound waves of the ultrasound. This transducer converts the electrical signals into high-frequency sound waves that are transmitted through the body into the tissues. 

One cannot hear the sound waves. Once the sound waves hit the structures, the waves bounce back to the probe, which converts the sound waves to electrical signals. The electrical signals are given to the computer screen.  The computer converts the electrical signals to real-time images or videos. 

Indications:

Ultrasound is done for many conditions. It is done 

• Monitor the development of the baby in the mother's womb in pregnancy 
• View ovaries and uterus in females 
• Detect stones in the gallbladder
• blood flow assessment.
• For guidance during surgery 
• Liver enlargements, Thyroid gland, and Breast lump examination
• For detecting genital and prostate issues in males.
• In a bone condition called synovitis to assess joint inflammation, 
• For assessing metabolic diseases of the bone
• Identify abnormal growths like tumors, cysts, lumps, or cancers
• Identify the blood clots and any enlarged veins 

Advantages:

• It is non-invasive 
• It does not require much preparation 
• It is safe for pregnancy and breastfeeding 
• It has no side effects
• It does not use radiation 

Types of ultrasound:

Based on the purpose for which it is used, ultrasound is of three types. They are:

• Pregnancy ultrasound – also called the prenatal or obstetric ultrasound. This is used to monitor the pregnant woman and the fetus during pregnancy. It can be used to confirm pregnancy, check the number of babies, confirm the health status and growth of the baby, monitor the heart rate and movements, detect any birth defects, identify the amount of amniotic fluid sacs in the womb, and also determine the sex of the baby. 
• Diagnostic ultrasound – is used to see the internal body parts. It helps to identify the disease and determine the origin of the symptoms. This can be of various types based on the area of the body it is diagnosing. 
• Abdominal ultrasound – ultrasound of the belly area to determine the cause of abdominal pain
• Renal ultrasound – ultrasound of the kidneys to determine stones, cysts, tumors, obstructions, or infections. 
• Breast ultrasound – ultrasound of the breast to determine lumps and cysts 
• Pelvic ultrasound – ultrasound of the pelvis 
• Thyroid ultrasound – ultrasound of the thyroid area 
• Procedural ultrasound – This is used to do some procedures in the body. It helps guide the needle or probe in the exact location of the target area. This can be used to draw fluid or send the probe to do any procedure in the body. This includes transferring the embryos or intrauterine devices in the uterus, fluid retraction, blocking the nerves, and localizing the lesions. 
• Doppler ultrasound – This is another method of ultrasound where blood flow through the arteries and veins is determined. 

Before the procedure:

Before an ultrasound, an individual should know the importance of the procedure by discussing it with the healthcare professional. For an ultrasound of the pelvic area, one has to take a lot of fluids before the procedure, as it needs a full bladder. For gallbladder ultrasound, one should not eat or drink for many hours before the procedure. One has to remove the jewelry and wear loose clothing to undergo an ultrasound. 

During the procedure:

During the ultrasound procedure, an individual is made to lie on a table comfortably. Then, a gel is applied to the skin to prevent air pockets, which can create disturbances in sound wave propagation. Water-based gel can be easily removed from the skin. 

Ultrasound is done by using a small hand-held device called the transducer. The transducer is pressed against the area being studied and moved to capture the images. One might have to hold their breath for a few minutes during the procedure. The sound waves sent by the transducer are bounced back by the body. These rebounded waves create an image on the computer.  

The probe is placed into the body and connected to a transducer. Based on the purpose for which the transducer is used, ultrasound has many types. They are:

A transesophageal echocardiogram is done by inserting it into the esophagus to get the images of the heart. This is done under sedation. 

A transrectal ultrasound is done by placing the transducer in the rectum to obtain the images of prostate. 

A transvaginal ultrasound is done by placing the transducer in the vagina to obtain the images of the ovaries and uterus. 

Ultrasound is a painless procedure except for mild discomfort and generally does not require anesthesia except for special circumstances. It generally takes half an hour to 1 hour for the entire procedure. 

After the procedure:

The applied is removed with a napkin and the individual can go back to the activities of daily living once the procedure is done. 

Risks and contraindications:

There are no risks and contraindications for the procedure 

Conclusion:

Ultrasound is a safe and effective diagnostic procedure. It can be used for pregnancy scans, for diagnostic purposes, and procedural purposes. It does not use radiation and is hence, safe for all individuals.