Ultrasound imaging, also known as sonography, is a safe and painless diagnostic tool that uses high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images of the inside of your body. Unlike X-rays, it does not use ionizing radiation, making it ideal for monitoring pregnancy and examining soft tissues.
Common uses for ultrasound include:
- Monitoring fetal development during pregnancy (3D/4D scans).
- Examining internal organs like the liver, gallbladder, kidneys, and bladder.
- Evaluating blood flow through arteries and veins (Doppler scan).
- Guiding needle biopsies for precise tissue sampling.
How to prepare:
Preparation varies depending on the area being scanned. For abdominal scans, you may be asked to fast for 6-8 hours. For pelvic or pregnancy scans, you might need to drink plenty of water to ensure a full bladder, which helps provide clearer images.
During the procedure, a trained sonographer will apply a cool gel to your skin and move a small handheld device called a transducer over the area. The process typically takes 15-30 minutes, and results are often available shortly after.