When hearing the word “ultrasound,” most of us think of the photographs that are taken of a fetus to make sure it is healthy and the pregnancy is progressing normally. Ultrasound imaging, however, has many more uses outside of the OB/GYN office. When this scan is performed, the body is exposed to high-frequency sound waves that produce pictures of the inside of the body. While ultrasound scans were originally flat, thanks to today’s technology, physicians can now produce a 3D image of the inside of the body.

Some common uses for the ultrasound scan include evaluating symptoms, such as:

• Pain
• Infection
• Swelling

Because ultrasound is such an inexpensive and unobtrusive way to examine the body, it has come to be used in virtually every field of medicine, including:

• Obstetrics
• Gynecology
• Abdominal health
• Vascular system
• Brain health
• Musculoskeletal health

As mentioned, physicians commonly use ultrasound to examine pregnant women and the progress their fetus is making during the pregnancy. It allows them to determine the size of the unborn child, establish the number of children and the sex, determine the amount of amniotic fluid, and monitor the child for possible medical problems.

Outside of obstetrics, physicians use ultrasound imaging to examine the internal organs, including:

• Blood vessels
• Heart
• Gallbladder
• Spleen
• Liver
• Kidneys
• Bladder
• Pancreas
• Uterus
• Ovaries
• Testicles
• Thyroid
• Eyes

In addition to using the ultrasound to examine the organs and look for any irregularities or deformities, it is also used to guide procedures, such as needle biopsies; guide biopsy of breast cancer; and diagnose heart conditions, such as assessing the level of damage after heart attack.

With ultrasound imaging, physicians can evaluate:

• Anything that might be blocking blood flow
• Any vessels that are narrowing
• Any possible tumors or congenital malformations

If your doctor has recommended an ultrasound, rest assured that it is a painless and usually quick procedure. If you have questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to ask. At Plantation General Hospital, our Diagnostic Imaging technicians are highly experienced in ultrasound, so your doctor will receive clear, accurate information. If you need further details, visit us online or call Consult-A-Nurse® at 1-888-256-7724.

Sources:

PregnancySurvey.com

RadiologyInfo.org

Related Posts:

Radiology and Your Health

Introduction to Interventional Radiology