What is Ultrasound?

Ultrasound (US) imaging, also called ultrasound scanning or sonography, is a method of “seeing” inside the human body through the use of high-frequency sound waves. The sound waves are recorded and displayed as a real-time visual image. No ionizing radiation is involved in ultrasound scanning.

In most ultrasound examinations, a transducer, a lightweight device which produces sound waves, is placed on the patient’s skin. There are also special transducers which can be put into the vagina or rectum to image these areas of the body.

 

What are the common uses of Ultrasound scanning?

• Abdominal organs e.g, liver, gallblader, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, bladder.
• Pelvic organs e.g., prostate, uterus and ovaries.
• During pregnancy to monitor the development of the embryo or fetus.
• Superficial organs e.g., breast, thyroid, joints(shoulder, ankle).
• Heart
• Blood Flow. Doppler ultrasound is a special technique used to examine blood flow. Doppler images can help to see and evaluate blockages to blood flow, such as clots, and build-up of plaque inside the vessels.
• Biopsy. It can also be used to guide procedures such as needle biopsies, in which a needle is used to sample cells from an organ for laboratory testing.

Test List