Ultrasound Sonography (USG) is one of the imaging methods (scanning) that uses ultrasound (inaudible high frequency sound waves) to produce images of body parts – tissues, organs or other soft structures inside the body. This ultrasound-based imaging works on same principle as that of nocturnal bat which emit sound waves and determines the distance of objects from its echoes. Similarly, ultrasound waves are used for detecting changes in the tissues / organ or presence of abnormal masses in the body. Now, technologically advanced technique – 4D is available which is capable of presenting the 3-dimensional image with motion.
Ultrasound scanning is performed with a small hand-held probe – transducer that is connected to digital processor and monitor for viewing the captured images. The transducer is placed over part of the body to be scanned and which sends sound waves into the body continuously. The transducer also records the bouncing back echoes which gets processed and is displayed on monitor as real-time image. A transparent gel is put on the skin for smooth movement and continuous contact of probe with skin.
Our scanning centre in Kannur – Cloudex Scans, is equipped with 4D ultrasound machine enabling viewing of organs / foetus (to be born baby) from different viewpoints and provide better understanding of the conditions that are must for correct diagnosis and appropriate decision on treatment. Additionally, it is also used for guiding biopsies procedure.
Broadly, Sonography is classified into 3 types –
- Diagnostic Sonography provides information about internal parts of the body either thru non-invasive (external) or invasive (internal) method. In invasive / internal sonography, the covered probe is inserted inside the body (in men – through rectum for prostate imaging; in women – through vagina for imaging inside of the uterus).
- Pregnancy Sonography provides information about health of to-be born baby’s growth & development and to-be mother.
- Endoscopic Sonography provides images of the internal lining of the digestive system by inserting the endoscope either through mouth or anus depending upon part to be examined.
Benefits of 4D Ultrasound Scan:
- It provides clear & real-time pictures of soft body parts that are difficult to be imaged through X-ray
- It captures images from different viewing plane and is updated continuously, giving a perception of live motion (4 D)
- Safest diagnostic tool compared to other radiological imaging
- Most preferred imaging modality for the pregnant women for monitoring the foetus development and diagnosis
- No special preparation required for undertaking the USG procedure
- No after-effect of USG observed and can carry on with normal life
Uses of USG
USG is used as diagnostic tool for evaluating pain, swelling, infection and assessing the well-being of organs like –
- Blood vessels and Heart
- Thyroid and parathyroid glands
- Abdomen: liver, spleen, gallbladder, pancreas, intestine, kidney and bladder
- Pelvic region: In women- uterus, ovary, fallopian tube and progress of pregnancy
In men – prostate, scrotum (testicles)
- Musculoskeletal system: Bone joints like elbow, shoulder, hip, and knee etc.
- Brain, hips or spine of Infant
Preparation for USG Procedure
Depending upon the type of USG advised, patient will be given instructions as preparation for USG procedure. And if required, a harmless contrast agent might be injected for capturing clearer images of organ with soft tissues.
In cases of scanning blood vessels and heart, no preparation is required.
In some cases of abdominal scan, patient is instructed to modify the diet or alter the eating time to maintain empty stomach prior to procedure by not eating or drinking for 3-4 hours. Food may interfere in capturing clear images of the soft organs present in abdomen.
In case of pelvis region scan, patient need to drink 3-5 glasses of water around 1-2 hours prior to undertaking of procedure and avoid urination until the procedure is completed. Same is instructed to pregnant woman while scanning foetus in first 2 trimesters. The full bladder helps in capturing clear images of the organs in pelvis region.
Sometime patient may be asked to wear loose clothes or change to hospital gown while sedative may be given to ease the anxiety. So, it is advised to leave back all valuables and jewellery at home.
In case, bleeding / pain or fever is experienced even after few hours of scanning, then patient should contact and consult the medical team.
Services in Our Scanning centre in Pariyaram
- Ultrasound scan of Abdomen:
Abdominal ultrasound scan is a non-invasive, pain-less imaging procedure to evaluate the conditions of abdominal organs such as liver, pancreas, gallbladder, spleen, bile duct, heart, abdominal blood vessels. Physician recommends it for evaluating the following medical conditions –
- Abdominal pain / vomiting
- Bloating or distention
- Altered liver function
- An enlarged liver or spleen
- Gallbladder disease or stone
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm
- Ultrasound scan of KUB:
Kidney, ureters and bladder are called together as KUB, and they are part of excretory system of our body. Physician will recommend the KUB ultrasound scan for evaluating the following condition –
- Abdominal pain
- Recurring urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Change in shape, size or structure of kidney
- Possibility of stone in kidney or ureter
- Congenital deformities
- Presence of tumour or cyst in bladder
Instruction on preparation for scan will be given depending upon the need.
- Ultrasound Scan of Pelvis:
Pelvis region (lower abdomen) has organs related to reproductive as well as excretory system. In woman, these organs undergo tremendous continuous changes for supporting the foetal development and childbirth process.
In women, the organs – uterus, ovary, fallopian tube, cervix, vagina, bladder and urethra are scanned to evaluate the pelvic pain or swelling, bleeding, pain during urination or sex, difficulty in conceiving, urinary incontinence (leakage of urine). The ultrasound scan is recommended for diagnosis of following –
- Anomalies in uterus
- Endometrial polyps
- Uterine scars
- Abnormal uterine bleeding
- Blockage in fallopian tube
- Cyst / masses in ovary or uterus
- Cancer in ovary / uterus
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Position of an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD)
Pregnancy related ultrasound scan is recommended for –
- Pregnancy confirmation
- Determine the no. of foetus (twins or multiple)
- Understand the development and position of placenta & foetus
- Determine the gestational period
- Detection of foetal anomalies
- Monitor the heartbeat, movements and check on amniotic fluid
- Check on child- labour process (C-section or normal)
In men, the scan helps in evaluation of –
- Seminal vesicles
- Biophysical Profile (BPP):
BPP is a combination of the foetal ultrasound scan and foetal heart monitoring test. The ultrasound scan provides a better understanding of foetal inhalation action, heartbeat, movements, muscle tone and amniotic fluid status (quantity). The second test is a non-stress test where an elastic band containing 2 sensors is placed around the belly of pregnant lady for 20 minutes and foetal heart beat is monitored.
The BPP is recommended only after 28 weeks of pregnancy under following situations –
- Multiple pregnancy (twins or more)
- Pregnancy has passed over 40 weeks of gestation
- Complications in previous pregnancy (still birth)
- High-risk pregnancy
- Gestational diabetes / diabetes / hypertension / eclampsia or other conditions
- Amniotic fluid status: oligohydramnios / polyhydramnios
- Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) complication
- Doppler Ultrasound Scan:
Doppler scan is considered for understanding the blood flow through arteries and veins; and rule out any possibilities of narrowing / leakage or blockage in the blood vessel. It is done using a hand-held device which checks blood flow through the arms and legs.
Different type of doppler scan is employed depending upon the need. Color doppler provides information about speed and direction of the blood flow in the blood vessel whereas spectral doppler provides audio visual representation of the blood flow measurements i.e., graphical and distinctive sound of every heartbeat.
Physician can recommend doppler scan for checking following conditions –
- Damage or blockage in blood vessel (thrombosis)
- Structural irregularities of the heart
- Peripheral arterial disease
- Cardiovascular disease
- Congenital heart disease or defects in heart valve
- Monitor blood flow in brain following stroke
- Hardening or narrowing of the blood vessel that supply blood to feet / leg.
- Changes in functioning of heart
- Bulging arteries (aneurysms)
- Post-surgery changes in blood flow
- Change in flow of blood in foetus or in pregnant woman
GE Voluson E8, a latest ultrasound scanning machine from one of the leading medical device companies in the world – GE; offers best quality image with highest resolution, powerful image processing and image data management capacity (image transfer / retrieval / processing). Some of the features of the machine supports the radiologist’s expert in identifying the unique characters hidden in the image or pathological condition.
- Offers broader spectrum of scanning task
- Compatible with 6 different arrays of transducers to suit different specialty needs while scanning different body part’s
- Offers excellent quality of image in 2D as well as in 3D / 4D format
- Wider transducers (probe) complete scanning task in less time
- Special transducers for fulfilling special needs of obstetrics, gynaecology, and fertility scanning
- Specially designed transducers for adult, paediatric and neonatal cardiology with provision of 4D imaging in a variety of clinical situations
- Offers deep penetration ability suitable on large patients