Ultrasound

What is an ultrasound?

An ultrasound is an imaging study that utilises soundwaves to produce precise images of the body’s organs, tissues and structures. Through this procedure, healthcare providers can view the internal structures of the body in immense detail without the need for surgery.

A sonographer, an ultrasound specialist, is equipped with specialised knowledge and training to perform ultrasound exams. An ultrasound can be done in various ways, depending on the region of the body that needs to be examined.

The following ultrasounds are conducted:

CRANIAL ULTRASOUND
NECK U/S
THYROID U/S
CAROTID U/S
SALIVARY GLANDS U/S
CHEST U/S
PLEURAL U/S
ABDOMINAL AND PELVIC U/S
RENAL U/S
UPPER AND LOWER LIMB DUPLEX DOPPLER U/S
JOINTS U/S
BREAST U/S

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How do you perform an ultrasound?

All clothing will need to be removed from the area that needs to be examined. Then, the sonographer rubs a gel over the skin above the area that needs to be examined. A special wand-like instrument (transducer) is moved over the area of the skin that needs to be assessed. The device then transfers sound waves through the body, and the gel prevents air from travelling between the device and the skin. The soundwaves then rebound from the bodily structures, and the ultrasound detects these high-frequency soundwaves and converts the echoes into images found on the computer screen. Once the examination is complete, the sonographer wipes the gel from the skin.

An ultrasound can be performed for diagnostic purposes that involve the following:

Determine the reason for swelling (inflammation), pain and other reasons.
Check for structural issues, obstructions and growths affecting the blood vessels, glands and organs.
Determine the difference between solid tumours and cysts.

Ultrasounds can also be ordered to check for medical-related issues concerning the following organs:

Abdominal organs (spleen, kidneys, pancreas, gallbladder and liver)
Thyroid & salivary glands
Breasts
Limbs

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any specific preparations for the test?

Preparation depends on the type of ultrasound performed. For example, a urinary tract ultrasound may involve drinking plenty of water to ensure a full bladder. For other ultrasounds, however, you will be required to fast for a few hours before these tests, depending on the type performed.

Can I expect any adverse reactions from an ultrasound?

No. This is a safe test when performed by a licensed health practitioner.

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