Ultrasound imaging is a medical tool that helps a physician/professional evaluate, diagnose, and treat medical conditions, include but not limited to:
· Abdominal ultrasound
· Bone sonometric
· Breast ultrasound.
· Heart rate monitors.
· Doppler ultrasound
· Echocardiogram.
· Ophthalmic ultrasound.
The functionality of the ultrasound image is very complicated as it’s based on the reflection of the waves of the body structures. In other words, the amplitudes of the sound signal traveling through the body provide the information necessary to produce a medical image.
What are the benefits of ultrasound?
As we mentioned earlier, ultrasound imaging is very essential for daily medical diagnoses. Being the brainchild of engineer Tom Brown and Obstetrician Ian Donald, It has been used for over 20 years, showing an excellent safety record.
What are the risks of ultrasound?
Although ultrasound imaging is considered safe when it’s used by professionally-trained providers, it can cause biological effects on the patient’s body. Its waves can heat the body tissues, produce small pockets of gas in body fluids.
Some American organizations advise prudent use of ultrasound imaging in pregnancy. They suggest less use of it for non-medical purposes.
How do you prepare for an ultrasound exam?
Some ultrasound exams require some preparation, such as:
· During some exams, like gallbladder ultrasound, your doctor may ask that you not eat or drink for a certain period before the exam.
· During Pelvic ultrasound, you may be required to come with a full bladder based on your doctor’s guidance.
· Children and elders might have special treatments.
An ultrasound exam, which takes from 30 minutes to an hour, is usually painless. However, you may experience mild discomfort as the sonographer guides the transducer over your body, especially if you’re required to have a full bladder, or inserts it into your body.
