What is an ultrasound?

• Ultrasound imaging is a noninvasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions.
• An ultrasound scan is a medical test that uses high-frequency sound waves to capture live images from the inside of your body. It’s also known as sonography. An ultrasound allows your doctor to see problems with organs, vessels, and tissues without needing to make an incision.
Ultrasound can be used for examinations of different body regions as :
• Abdomen and pelvis.
• Neck (thyroid gland).
• Parotid gland.
• Testeses and scrotum.
• Pregnancy.
• Superficial regions.
• Musculoskeletal.
• Lymph nodes.
• Unlike other imaging techniques, ultrasound uses no radiation.
• For this reason, it’s the preferred method for viewing a developing fetus during pregnancy.

Why do I need An Ultrasound?

Your doctor may order an ultrasound if you’re having pain, swelling, or other symptoms that require an internal view of your organs.
An ultrasound can provide a view of the:
• bladder
• brain (in infants)
• gallbladder
• kidneys
• liver
• ovaries
• pancreas
• spleen
• thyroid
• testicles
• uterus
• blood vessels
• An ultrasound is also a helpful way to guide movements during certain medical procedures, such as biopsies.

Any preparation needed?

• Most ultrasound exams require no preparation.
However, there are a few exceptions:
• For some scans, such as abdomen and pelvis ultrasound, youshould not eat or drink (just exception for water) for certain period of time (4 to 6 hours) before the exam.
• Others, such as a pelvic ultrasound, may require a full bladder. Your doctor will let you know how much water you need to drink before the exam. Do not urinate until the exam is done.
• Clothing and personal items
• Wear loose clothing to your ultrasound appointment.
• You may be asked to remove jewelry during your ultrasound, so its a good idea to leave any valuables at home.