An ultrasound scan, also known as a sonogram, is a technique that produces a picture of the interior part of the body using high-frequency sound waves. It is mostly used to diagnose a problem, monitor an unborn child, or guide a surgeon while performing a procedure.
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A tiny instrument known as an ultrasound probe emits high-frequency sound waves. Although these sound waves are inaudible, they release “echoes” as they reflect various body parts, which the probe detects and converts into a moving image. This picture is shown on a monitor or screen while the scan is conducted.
To help increase the quality of images obtained, you might be required to follow some guidelines prior to certain kinds of ultrasound scans.
For instance, you may be instructed to:
The doctor may require you to take off some clothes and put on a hospital gown, depending on the part of your body being scanned. If a sedative is needed to keep you relaxed during the procedure, it will be administered via a tiny tube into your arm or hand.
Before the scan, you may also receive an injection of a contrast agent, which is a harmless component that can help improve the clarity of the images.
The majority of ultrasound scans take an average of 15 to 45 minutes. They are often conducted by a physician, radiographer, or sonographer at a hospital radiology department.
They can also be done in public settings like GP practices, and they can be carried out by other medical specialists like midwives or physiotherapists with specialized ultrasound training.
Depending on which body part is being scanned and the reason, there are various types of ultrasound scans.
The three primary types include:
The most common use of an external ultrasound scan is to check the heart of an unborn child while it is still inside the womb. Physicians can also use external ultrasound scans to examine the kidneys, liver, and other organs in the abdomen and pelvis, along with other organs or tissues that may be evaluated through the skin, like joints and muscles.
A small handheld probe is positioned on the skin and moved over the body part being assessed. A lubricating gel is applied to the skin to facilitate smooth movement of the probe. Additionally, the gel ensures constant contact between the skin and the probe.
Don’t expect to feel anything apart from the sensor and the gel applied on your skin (which is typically cold). You can feel uncomfortable if you have a full bladder during a pelvic or womb scan. After the scan is over, there will be a restroom close by for you to use to relieve your bladder.
An internal examination enables a physician to examine organs like the womb, ovaries, and prostate gland up close. The term “transvaginal” refers to ultrasound that is performed “through the vagina.”
During the scan, you will be instructed to lie on your side and knees drawn upwards to the chest or on your back. A small ultrasound probe enclosed with a sterile cover (not broader than a finger) is inserted into the vagina or rectum, and pictures are conveyed to the monitor.
Internal exams might be uncomfortable. However, they don’t cause pain and take a short period.
With an endoscopic ultrasound, an endoscope is placed into your body, typically through the mouth, to assess parts like the esophagus or stomach. As the endoscope is gently pushed down to the stomach, you will be required to lie on your side.
An ultrasound device and a light are attached to the endoscope. Similar to external ultrasound, it uses sound waves to produce images once they are placed into the body.
Usually, you will be given a local anesthetic spray to help numb the throat and a sedative to calm you because an endoscopic ultrasound scan can be painful and even make you sick.
In the event you bite the endoscope, you can also be provided a mouth guard to ensure that your mouth remains open and shields your teeth.
There are often no after-effects, and you can return home shortly after the scan is complete. Also, you can immediately resume your regular activities and even drive, eat, or drink if no sedative is given. If you received a sedative to assist you relax after an endoscopic ultrasound, you will be asked to remain in the hospital for a few hours until the effects of the medicine wear off.
You will need to make arrangements for someone to take you home and spend the next 24 hours with you. During this period, you should not use machinery, drive or consume alcohol.
Soon after the scan is completed, you might be informed of the results. However, most of the time, the images will have to be examined, and a report will be given to the physician who recommended the scan.
Your healthcare provider will go over the results with you after a few days or during the next appointment if already scheduled.
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The sound waves utilized in an ultrasound scan don’t pose any known dangers. Also, ultrasound scans don’t expose patients to radiation, as opposed to other types of scans like CT scans.
Although the probe may cause discomfort when placed against your skin or put into your body, both internal and external ultrasound scans are generally harmless and have no adverse side effects.
It is vital to inform the sonographer or physician performing the internal scan if you have a latex allergy so they can use a probe cover free of latex.
Besides causing transient side effects like bloating or a sore throat, endoscopic ultrasounds can be a little more uncomfortable. Additionally, there is a slight chance of more side effects, including internal bleeding.
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