The utilization of ultrasound as a diagnostic tool continues to become more popular as the technology improves to produce incredibly detailed images. Ultrasound is commonly used in imaging during pregnancy as it poses no side effects or danger to the mother and the fetus. Ultrasound is also vital in the diagnosis of certain irregularities, diseases, and other pathologies.
Diagnostic Ultrasound
Diagnostic private ultrasound works by using a probe placed directly on the skin that is covered with a gel to permit close contact. This allows the sonographer the ability to easily glide the probe over the parts of the body being examined. The probe then transmits high-frequency sound waves into the areas of interest. These sound waves then bounce off the structures being examined and reflect back to sensors within the probe where it is then analyzed in real-time by the ultrasound machine.
Echoes and Pulses
Millions of echoes and pulses are being sent each second so the entire exam can be viewed as a type of movie. Highlights are recorded and still shots of the area being scrutinized are precisely measured for comparison to what is considered normal, and what may represent a concern.
Private Ultrasound Machines
Most women have their first private ultrasound during pregnancy around the fourth month. This is to insure that the fetus is healthy and to ease anxiety in the new mother-to-be. Private scans in a more intimate setting, such as a doctor's office or free-standing clinic provide a more comfortable and less stressful environment for expectant women.
The newer 3D and 4D private ultrasound machines deliver excellent surface rendering imaging of the fetus, and have a greater capacity to detect possible birth defects such as spina bifida, cleft palate, or other more subtle abnormalities.
Detect Complications
Ultrasound is also used to accurately visualize, diagnose and address other physical issues that are pathologically related. Uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, and pelvic masses can all be visualized, and then analyzed to determine if further steps such as surgery, need to be taken.
The renal tract can be accurately scanned for kidney stones and the thyroid gland for growths and cysts. Ultrasonic waves can detect the differences in suspicious growths by determining whether they are cystic, or dense and solid in composition.
Doppler Ultrasound
Doppler ultrasound imaging is invaluable in determining arterial blockage, the extent of the blockage, and in measuring blood flow. Areas that are most susceptible to plaque build-up and blockage, and are routinely examined using Doppler ultrasound are the common carotid artery, the internal carotid artery, and the vertebral artery.
