What Are The Common Uses Of Ultrasound Scans Today?

Doctors today rely on ultrasound scans to detect certain body conditions and provide a more conclusive diagnosis and treatment. The procedure is non-invasive and entails using sound waves to "see" inside your body.

Usually, a sound wave generator, known as a transducer, is moved over the target area so the sound waves can go through the body. Once the waves hit the bones, fluids, or body tissues, they bounce back and are converted into images so the physician can see photos on a monitor. 

Familiarizing yourself with the reasons for an ultrasound scan is vital. It helps you make informed decisions once you come down with a specific medical problem that requires this procedure for diagnosis. With that in mind, this post will share several reasons why doctors recommend getting an ultrasound scan.

Pregnancy

Almost every pregnant woman is asked to take an ultrasound scan so the doctor can get more information about the pregnancy. The procedure helps determine the baby's position, age, and overall health. If done at the right time, the prenatal ultrasound can reveal the baby's gender, which helps the parents to prepare adequately for the newborn.

Remember that there are traditional (2D) and new types of ultrasounds (3D and 4D), so you can choose any form depending on your needs or the doctor's recommendation.

Blood Vessel Problems

Whenever a patient has blood vessel issues, then an ultrasound scan can be done in the target areas. The Doppler ultrasound is designed to show how blood is running in the arteries and veins. So, if a patient has a circulatory system blockage or blood clot, the issue will be detected right away. This way, the best treatment can be offered.

A vascular ultrasound scan is also similar, although it's meant to monitor the blood supply in the neck to determine if the brain is getting enough blood. It's also commonly done after an organ transplant to verify if it's getting blood as expected or monitor blood circulation in the legs and arms.

Heart Problems

Patients who have heart disease symptoms also need to take an ultrasound test, commonly referred to as an echocardiogram. This procedure is non-invasive and doesn't require any preparation. The echocardiogram's job here is to use the transducer to examine the condition of your heart and offer a detailed report to your doctor.

The information may include the heart's size, pumping rate, and any other issues you may have with your heart. When done during pregnancy, it will show if the child has a heart problem that needs to be addressed. To learn more, contact a clinic like Hudson Valley Imaging.

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