Ultrasound

An Ultrasound image of a foetus

A 3-D image of a foetus

2. Why is an Ultrasound scan performed?

There can be many reasons to why an ultrasound is performed. As ultrasound uses sound waves, it is able to help determine the size, shape and consistency and structure of the organs or any abnormalities. The common uses of ultrasound are to monitor the growth of an unborn child for pregnant women, detect abnormalities and diagnose problems in the organs.

1. What is Ultrasound?

An ultrasound examination uses high frequency sound waves to visualise the internal organs in the body. It uses high frequency sound that cannot be heard by the human ear. These sound waves are directed to the internal organs in the body using the hand-held scanner. This scanner is able to reflect the sound which produces echoes that creates the images. As this scan does not involve radiation and is non-invasive, the images produced are not easily understood without training.

3. What preparation is need for an ultrasound scan?

Most ultrasound procedures do not require any preparation. Depending on the region of interest of the procedure, there may be variations in preparation. Some procedures may require you to stop drinking or eating by a certain point of time prior to the procedure. The doctor will be able to advise you on the preparation required when you’ve scheduled in for the procedure.

4. What happens during an ultrasound?

In an ultrasound scan, you will be asked to lie

5. How long does the ultrasound scan take?

The scan is painless and it takes about 15-45 minutes depending the area of interest of the body that will be examined. The results of this examination can be produced as still images or as a video recording.

6. What happens after having ultrasounds scan?

After an ultrasound scan is performed, the sonographer will wipe off the gel and you may get dressed. The results of the ultrasound scan are usually sent to the referring doctor and you will have to make a follow-up appointment to discuss the results.

down on a table and the sonographer (person performing the scan) will use a transducer (a hand-held scanner) and lubricating gel. The lubricating gel will be put on your skin so it would make the transducer glide easily on the body. The transducer sends ultrasound pulses through the skin into the body and it will be bounce back (echoes) from the organs in the body. The transducer picks up the echoes and information are sent to the ultrasound machine. This information are display as pictures on the screen of the ultrasound machine.

7. Are there any risks in getting an ultrasound?

As ultrasound does not use any radiation in the procedures and are non-invasive, they are known to be safe and painless.