An ultrasound scan, often known as sonography, is an imaging procedure that creates an image of part of the inside of the body using high-frequency sound waves. The images can assist in diagnosing and treating a wide range of diseases and conditions

Home Ultrasound is commonly used to monitor the growth and development of the fetus during pregnancy. The exam, however, has a wide range of applications. If you're experiencing pain, swelling, or other symptoms that require an internal view of your organs, your doctor may recommend an ultrasound. Ultrasound is used for a variety of purposes, including:

• Examining the uterus and ovaries to monitor the baby's development and health during pregnancy.
• Determining gallbladder disease.
• Evaluation of blood flow in blood vessels.
• Guiding procedures such as needle biopsy.
• Examining a lump in the breast.
• Detecting problems with the genitalia and prostate.
• Examining the inflammation in joints (synovitis).
• Determining metabolic bone disease
• Examining other abdominal organs, skin, and muscles.

High-frequency sound waves are produced by a small device called an ultrasound probe (transducer). These sound waves can't be heard, but as they bounce off different body parts, they form "echoes" that the transducer picks up and converts into a moving image. While the scan is being performed, this image is displayed on a monitor. A gel will be applied to the skin during an ultrasound exam. This prevents air pockets from developing between the transducer and the skin, which could block the passage of ultrasound waves into the body.

Most ultrasound scans do not require any prior preparation. You may be asked to follow certain instructions before having some types of ultrasound scans to help improve the quality of the images produced.

For instance, you might be told to:

• Drink water and wait until after the scan to go to the bathroom - this may be required before a scan of your unborn baby or pelvic area.
• Avoid eating or drinking for several hours before the scan if your digestive system, including the liver and gallbladder, is being scanned.

You may be asked to remove some clothing and wear a gown depending on the area of your body being examined.

Ultrasound scans usually last 15 to 45 minutes. They are usually conducted by a doctor, a radiographer, or a sonographer. Depending on which body area is being scanned, several types of ultrasound scans are available. The main types are:

External Ultrasound scan:External ultrasound scans are most commonly used to examine the heart or a developing baby in the womb. It can also be used to examine the liver, kidneys, and other organs in the abdomen and pelvis and any other organs or tissues that can be seen through the skin, like muscles and joints. A small portable probe (transducer) is put on your skin and moved over the area to be examined. A lubricating gel is applied to your skin to allow the probe to glide smoothly. This also ensures that the probe is in constant contact with the skin. You shouldn't feel anything on your skin except the sensor and the gel (which is often cold). If you're having a womb or pelvic scan, you may have a full bladder, which causes little discomfort. Once the scan is completed, you may empty your bladder.

Doppler ultrasound:Doppler ultrasound is a type of ultrasound that evaluates the movement of materials in the body. It enables the doctor to examine and assess blood flow through the body's arteries and veins. Some Doppler ultrasounds include Color Doppler, Power Doppler, and Spectral Doppler.

Internal ultrasound scanUltrasounds are sometimes performed inside the body. An internal examination allows a doctor to see within the body at organs such as the prostate gland, ovaries, or womb in greater detail. The transducer is connected to a probe that is inserted into a natural opening in your body in this case. Here are some examples.

Transvaginal Ultrasound:The term "transvaginal" refers to an ultrasound that is performed through the vagina. You'll be asked to lie on your back or side with your legs raised to your chest during the procedure. After that, a small ultrasound probe with a sterile cover is gently inserted into the vagina, and images are transmitted to a monitor. Internal examinations can be uncomfortable, but they usually aren't painful and don't take long.

Transrectal ultrasound:This test uses a special transducer inserted into the rectum to create images of the prostate.

Transesophageal echocardiogram:The doctor inserts the probe into the esophagus to obtain images of the heart.

Endoscopic Ultrasound An endoscope is inserted into your body, usually through your mouth, to examine areas such as your stomach or food pipe (esophagus) during an endoscopic ultrasound scan. The endoscope will be carefully pushed down towards your stomach while you lie on your side. On the end of the endoscope is a light and an ultrasound device. Sound waves are used to create images in the same way as an external ultrasound once inserted into the body. Because an endoscopic ultrasound scan might be uncomfortable and make you feel nauseous, you'll normally be given a sedative to keep you calm and a local anesthetic spray to numb your throat.

There are usually no side effects, and if no sedative was used, you can immediately drive, eat, drink, and resume your daily activities after the scan is completed.

If you had an endoscopic ultrasound and were given a sedative to help you rest, you should stay in the hospital for a few hours until the medication wears off. You should not drive, drink alcohol, or operate any machinery during this period.

The results of your scan may be given to you shortly after it is completed, but in most cases, the images will need to be analyzed before a report is provided to the doctor who referred you for the scan. They'll discuss the results at your next scheduled visit if one has been set up.

There are no known risks associated with the sound waves used in an ultrasound scan. Unlike other scans, such as CT scans, ultrasound scans do not expose the patient to radiation. Ultrasound scans, both external and internal, have no side effects and are generally painless, but you may feel some discomfort while the probe is pressed against your skin or inserted into your body. If you're having an internal scan and are allergic to latex, inform the sonographer or doctor performing the scan so that a latex-free probe cover can be used. Endoscopic ultrasounds can cause discomfort and may result in temporary side effects, including a sore throat or bloating.