subject: Diagnostic Ultrasound: Safe And Effective Method Of Looking Into The Body [print this page] Diagnostic Ultrasound is a medical examination process that is safe and painless and radiation free. It is one of the most preferred methods of looking into the body and in examining the internal organs. High-frequency sound waves are generated using the ultrasound machine and the echoes provides a picture as they bounce off the soft tissue structures inside. With these results, medical practitioners are able to measure size, detect abnormalities, determine solid and liquid-filled lumps as well as monitor growth of the fetus in pregnancy.
Medical Processes Using Diagnostic Ultrasound
Ultrasound imaging is used mainly for monitoring of the baby and checking of abnormalities of the fetus on the obstetrics field. But it is also used in urology for look into the urinary bladder, prostatic, scrotal as well as kidney diseases.
Medical practitioners also use diagnostic ultrasound to find blockages in the blood vessels which affects blood flow and diagnose aneurysms or abnormal dilation of the blood vessels. Ultrasound for the heart, specifically called the echocardiography, is used to search for any abnormalities in the valves and other structures of the heart.
Other uses of ultrasound are to diagnose abnormalities in the abdomen and check the organs such as the gallbladder, liver, pancreas, lymph nodes, testicles or ovaries and for breast examination.
What to Expect During an Ultrasound Diagnostic Examination
This painless diagnostic procedure usually takes around 15 minutes to 1 hour to complete. A lubricating gel will be used for easier movement of the apparatus and conduct the sound waves. The hand tool of the ultrasound machine will be held and moved against your skins surface to scan internally. Images will be displayed on a monitor to show what is being probed and checked inside. Copies of the examination result may be permanently printed or saved as a video record.
Other specialized ultrasound diagnostics used a probe that is inserted into the body for more effective viewing results. One example of this is swallowing of a small probe to produce detailed images of the heart valves.
Preparations for an Ultrasound Diagnostic Exam
If you will be having an ultrasound scan for your abdomen, you may be required to consume low fiber foods 24 to 36 hours before the examination as gas may interfere with the imaging. It is best to conduct an ultrasound diagnostic scan when the bowel is gas-free such as early morning before having breakfast. You may also expect some examinations to require preparatory bowel cleansing or enema as well as fasting for a few hours before the appointment. Whatever requirements are, it will be explained to you beforehand by your doctor for you to prepare for your diagnostic exam.
