|
ULTRASOUND
What is it done?
Ultrasound scanning or sonography is a diagnostic
imaging procedure to obtain images from inside the human body through
the use of very high frequency sound waves. The sound waves echoes are
recorded & displayed as a real time, visual image. No radiation is
involved in ultrasound imaging.
Doppler ultrasound is a special technique used
to examine blood flow. This can help to diagnose a variety of conditions
causing narrowing or dilatation of the blood vessels.
Types of Ultrasound exams include Abdominal ultrasound,
Pelvic ultrasound, vascular ultrasound, ultrasound of small parts including
breast & thyroid, antenatal ultrasound, pediatric ultrasound and cranial
ultrasound. A pelvic ultrasound in females looks primarily at the uterus
& ovaries but the bladder may also be visualized. In males, the pelvic
ultrasound usually focuses on the bladder & the prostate gland.
Why is it done?
Ultrasound imaging is used extensively for evaluating
the kidneys, liver, Gall bladder, pancreas, spleen & blood vessels
of the abdomen. Because ultrasound provides real time images, it can also
be used to guide procedures such as needle biopsies, in which a needle
is used to sample cells from an organ for laboratory testing.
Ultrasound scans are quicker, less expensive, harmless & may be used
with complete safety, even on pregnant women, where CT or x-rays would
be inappropriate.
When it is done/advised ?
Ultrasound imaging is a painless, noninvasive low cost examination,
easy to use & is widely available modality. It can be used extensively
for evaluating the abdominal & pelvic organs, heart, blood vessels,
eyes, breast & can help a physician to determine the source of pain,
swelling or infection in many parts of the body.
How it is Done?
Ultrasound scanning is done by the top of the line equipment which consists
of a console containing a computer & electronics, a video display
screen & a transducer that is used to scan the body . The patient
lies on a table with the abdominal area exposed. The radiologist spreads
a lubricating gel on the patient abdomen in the area being examined &
then presses the transducer firmly against the skin to obtain images.
The ultrasound image is immediately visible on a nearby screen & radiologist
watches this screen during the movement on transducer over the skin surface
by the radiologist ; Often, the patient is also able to see the screen
as well. When the examination is complete, the patient is asked to dress
& wait while the ultrasound images are reviewed on film.
What do I do if I need this ( contact
/ book appointment )
Directly contact the ultrasound room or Reception counter of department
for the appointment. Special instructions will be given depending upon
the type of ultrasound exam.
Preparation for the service ( instruction
to the patient)
For the abdominal ultrasound please do not eat solid food or drink any
thing but water for four to six hours before the exam.
For pelvic ultrasound you may eat regular meals prior
to the exam. The only special preparation is to have a full bladder at
the time of the exam. Therefore, you should drink half to one litre of
water before the exam. Do not urinate before the exam.
For the obstetrical ultrasound if you are more than
fourteen weeks pregnant no preparation is required. If you are less that
fourteen weeks pregnant, you should have a full bladder.
No preparation is required for the following ultrasound
exams.
- Breast
- Fetal (after Fourteen Weeks)
- Kidneys
- Testis
- Thyroid
- Pleural aspiration
Essential medication may be taken. If you are diabetic,
please consult your doctor before taking any medication on the morning
of your exam.
How it is Done?
As per the rate list of EHIRC
|