| An ultrasound test is a radiology technique, which | | | | visible early, and as the baby ages, body motion |
| uses high- frequency sound waves to produce | | | | becomes more apparent. The baby can often be |
| images of the organs and structures of the body. | | | | visualized by the mother during the ultrasound, |
| The sound waves are sent through body tissues | | | | and the gender of the baby is sometimes |
| with a device called a transducer. The transducer | | | | detectable. |
| is placed directly on top of the skin, which has a | | | | How do patients prepare for an ultrasound? |
| gel applied to the surface. The sound waves that | | | | Preparation for ultrasound is minimal. Generally, if |
| are sent by the transducer through the body are | | | | internal organs such as the gallbladder are to be |
| then reflected by internal structures as "echoes." | | | | examined, patients are requested to avoid eating |
| These echoes return to the transducer and are | | | | and drinking with the exception of water for six |
| transmitted electrically onto a viewing monitor. | | | | to eight hours prior to the examination. This is |
| The echo images are then recorded on a plane | | | | because food causes gallbladder contraction, |
| film and can also be recorded on videotape. After | | | | minimizing the size, which would be visible during |
| the ultrasound, the gel is easily wiped off. | | | | the ultrasound. In preparation for examination of |
| The technical term for ultrasound testing and | | | | the baby and womb during pregnancy, it is |
| recording is "sonography." Ultrasound testing is | | | | recommended that mothers drink at least four to |
| painless and harmless. Ultrasound tests involve no | | | | six glasses of water approximately one to two |
| radiation and studies have not revealed any | | | | hours prior to the examination for the purpose of |
| adverse effects. | | | | filling the bladder. The extra fluid in the bladder |
| For what purposes are ultrasounds performed? | | | | moves air-filled bowel loops away from the womb |
| Ultrasound examinations can be used in various | | | | so that the baby and womb are more visible |
| areas of the body for a variety of purposes. | | | | during the ultrasound test. |
| These purposes include examination of the chest, | | | | How are results transmitted to the patient and |
| abdomen, blood vessels (such as to detect blood | | | | doctor? |
| clots in leg veins) and the evaluation of pregnancy. | | | | The ultrasound is generally performed by a |
| In the chest, ultrasound can be used to obtain | | | | technician. The technician will notice preliminary |
| detailed images of the size and function of the | | | | structures and may point out several of these |
| heart. Ultrasound can detect abnormalities of the | | | | structures during the examination. The official |
| heart valves, such as mitral valve prolapse, aortic | | | | reading of the ultrasound is given by a radiologist, |
| stenosis, and infection (endocarditis). Ultrasound is | | | | a physician who is an expert at interpreting |
| commonly used to guide fluid withdrawal | | | | ultrasound images. The radiologist records the |
| (aspiration) from the chest, lungs, or around the | | | | interpretation and transmits it to the practitioner |
| heart. Ultrasound is also commonly used to | | | | requesting the test. Occasionally, during the |
| examine internal structures of the abdomen. | | | | ultrasound test the radiologist will ask questions of |
| Gallstones in the gallbladder are easily detected, as | | | | the patient and/or perform an examination in |
| are kidney stones. The size and structure of the | | | | order to further define the purpose for which the |
| kidneys, the ureters, liver, spleen, pancreas, and | | | | test is ordered or to clarify preliminary findings. |
| aorta within the abdomen can be examined. | | | | Plain x-rays might be ordered to further evaluate |
| Ultrasound can detect fluid, cysts, tumors or | | | | early findings. A summary of results of all of the |
| abscess in the abdomen or liver. Impaired blood | | | | above is reported to the practitioner who |
| flow from clots or arteriosclerosis in the legs can | | | | requested the ultrasound. They then are |
| be detected by ultrasound. Aneurysms of the | | | | discussed with the patient in the context of |
| aorta can also be seen. Ultrasound is also | | | | overall health status. |
| commonly used to evaluate the structure of the | | | | is the world's only online portal designed to |
| thyroid gland in the neck. | | | | facilitate the research, It provides objective |
| During pregnancy, an ultrasound can be used to | | | | third-party information along with best-in-class |
| evaluate the size, gender, movement, and position | | | | research tools to assist consumers with critical |
| of the growing baby. The baby's heart is usually | | | | equipment decisions. |