Is Ultrasound Safe for Diagnostic Purposes?

Ultrasound imaging is one of the first steps a doctor will take in diagnosing an illness or internal injury, using high-frequency sound waves to create an image of the soft tissue inside the body. A small transducer (probe) transmits sound waves into the body and records the echoes that return from the sound waves.

Ultrasound is also known as sonography imaging. A sound wave is emitted into the area of the body being examined, and when it hits a boundary between tissues, like soft tissue and fluid, or bone and soft tissue, some of the waves are reflected to the probe, while others continue on until another boundary is encountered. Depending on the obstacle they run into, sound waves will travel at different speeds, directions, and distances.

Computers turn the information into two-dimensional images on screens after interpreting the information. A region’s ability to absorb sound waves determines the intensity and shape of its echoes. The computer will interpret sound waves that bounce off a solid tumor as a light-colored image whereas a fluid-filled cyst may send back very few, or faint, images. Sound waves are also reflected by bone and air.

Images can aid in the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of diseases and conditions. The majority of ultrasound examinations are performed using an ultrasound machine outside the body, but some involve placing a small device inside your body.

In diagnostic ultrasound, low-power sound waves are used. Diagnostic ultrasounds are not known to pose any risks. The procedure is safe.

Although ultrasound has some limitations, it is still a valuable tool. The lungs and head cannot be imaged with ultrasound because sound waves do not travel well through air or bone. Ultrasound may also be unable to detect objects deep inside the human body. Your healthcare provider may order CT scans, X-rays, or other imaging tests to view these areas.

Providers use diagnostic ultrasounds to determine what is wrong with your body or what is not working properly. It is possible to order an ultrasound to determine the cause of symptoms such as masses or unexplained pain. In other cases, ultrasounds are used to determine why a blood test result is abnormal. In addition to cancer, tumors, blood clots, and kidney stones, ultrasounds can detect a wide array of conditions.

Gallstones, an enlarged spleen, varicocele, cholecystitis, and more can also be detected. Ultrasounds can also be used during pregnancy to learn important information about the developing baby, such as confirming pregnancy, monitoring fetal growth and position, and detecting multiple pregnancies.

Typically non-invasive, ultrasound exams allow doctors to detect problems and diagnose some conditions quickly, which could lead to potentially life-saving early treatment.

An ultrasound procedure can be classified according to the part of the body that is being scanned and the condition that is being detected. It is usually not necessary to prepare for an ultrasound exam. It is recommended, however, that you leave valuables at home since you may be asked to remove jewelry during the scan, as well as loose clothing.

A doctor may ask a patient to have a full bladder for some exams, such as a pelvic ultrasound. Abstaining from food and drink for a short time before a gallbladder ultrasound may be required. Ultrasounds often require additional preparation for children. Ensure the best results by following the instructions provided by the attending physician.

Typically, the procedure lasts between 30 minutes and an hour. A gel is applied to the skin in the area of the examination to prevent air pockets from interfering with the sound waves. To take the necessary images, a sonographer will press a hand-held device against the area.

Transducers transmit sound waves into the body and receive the waves that bounce back to create images in a computer. A transducer attached to a probe is inserted into a natural body opening when an ultrasound must be performed inside the body. Some ultrasound results can be read during the scan, which can reduce the time it takes to receive the results.

If you need having an ultrasound, then contact our team at Dr. Pedro Ylisastigui MD Primary Care Clinic today. We serve patients from Lehigh Acres FL, Fort Myers FL, Buckingham FL, Cypress Lake FL, Gateway FL, Cape Coral FL, Palmona Park FL, and Alva FL.