You may have heard about ultrasound or sonography, which are basically two different names for a common diagnostic scan used worldwide for a variety of purposes.
Today, we will get to know about this diagnostic scan in detail, starting from what is sonography, its purpose, procedure, working and results.
What is Sonography?
Sonography or ultrasound is a noninvasive imaging test that involves the usage of high-frequency sound waves to capture real-time images or videos of internal organs or other soft tissues. It’s sometimes also referred to as sonogram.
In contrast to other common imaging techniques like x-rays and ct scans, sonography doesn’t use radiation to accomplish its purpose.
Purpose of getting a Sonography Test?
Sonography helps assess the size, shape & density of tissues inside the human body to assist in diagnosing specific medical conditions.
It’s usually recommended for individuals experiencing pain, swelling or symptoms which necessitate examining the interiors of organs. The most common usage of sonography is for pregnant women, with regard to monitoring the development of the uterus & fetus during pregnancy.
Sonography can also offer a view of:
- Blood vessels
- Brain (in babies)
- Eyes
- Bladder
- Gallbladder
- Glands
- Breast lumps
- Kidneys
- Kidney stones
- Liver
- Pancreas
- Joint conditions
- Bone disease
- Ovaries
- Testicles
- Testicular lumps
- Spleen
- Thyroid
How Sonography works?
The sonography procedure includes using a device named transducer by a healthcare professional who moves it over the specific area of the body that requires examination.
A thin coating of gel is applied to the skin over that area to ensure the sound waves are transmitted from the transducer via the gel and into the body’s tissues.
Once inside the body, the sound waves bounce off the various interior structures, getting converted into electrical signals, which a computer translates into live images or videos & displays them on the screen.
A radiologist then views, measures, and recognises the structures in the generated images or videos, reading them to help diagnose the specific health issue.
Sonography Results
A radiologist is normally able to interpret the images generated during sonography in a matter of minutes. The results are then sent to the healthcare provider, who shares them with the patient.
Some healthcare providers also provide a copy of the report created by the radiologist and a CD comprising the generated images.
Conclusion
Sonography is among the most noninvasive diagnostic scans available in the healthcare industry and is the go-to medical test for pregnant women.
A completely painless procedure, it hardly takes half an hour to complete. Fasting is sometimes required prior to the test.
Have you been recommended sonography by a healthcare professional?
Call us 24×7 on 9504555555 to schedule the scan at your nearest Clinico Diagnostic Centre in Mulund, Thane or Bhandup.
