Types of Ultrasound Scans

1. Abdominal Ultrasound: Used to examine organs within the abdomen, such as the liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, and kidneys.
2. Pelvic Ultrasound: Typically used to examine the pelvic organs, including the uterus, ovaries, and bladder.
3. Obstetric Ultrasound: Used during pregnancy to monitor the development of the fetus.
4. Transvaginal Ultrasound: A type of pelvic ultrasound where the probe is inserted into the vagina to get a clearer image of the pelvic organs.
5. Echocardiogram: An ultrasound of the heart to evaluate heart function and structures.
6. Doppler Ultrasound: Measures the movement of blood through the vessels and is commonly used to evaluate blood flow and detect blockages.
7. Thyroid Ultrasound: Used to examine the thyroid gland and detect any abnormalities.

Procedure

1. Preparation: Depending on the type of ultrasound, you might be asked to fast for several hours or drink water to fill your bladder.
2. Positioning: You will lie down on an examination table, and the area to be examined will be exposed.
3. Application of Gel: A water-based gel is applied to the skin over the area being examined to facilitate the transmission of sound waves.
4. Scanning: The technician or doctor moves a handheld device called a transducer over the skin. The transducer emits sound waves and picks up the echoes as they bounce off tissues and organs, creating an image on a monitor.
5. Completion: The gel is wiped off, and you can usually resume normal activities immediately.

Benefits

• Non-invasive: No needles or incisions are required.
• Safe: Uses sound waves instead of radiation, making it safe for pregnant women and infants.
• Real-time Imaging: Allows for real-time monitoring and assessment of organs and blood flow.

Uses

• Diagnosing conditions related to the heart, liver, kidneys, pancreas, bladder, ovaries, uterus, and other internal organs.
• Monitoring fetal development during pregnancy.
• Guiding certain procedures such as needle biopsies.
• Evaluating symptoms such as pain, swelling, and infection.

Ultrasound scans are commonly performed at specialist doctors' centers, where trained radiologists or sonographers conduct the scans and provide detailed reports to the referring physician for further diagnosis and treatment planning.