Ultrasound scans are images of the internal organs produced by directing high frequency sound waves, inaudible to the human ear, into the body. The waves are then reflected back to a scanner which measures and records them, producing a photographic image.
This type of ultrasound scanning is used as a medical diagnostic technique to help monitor and diagnose conditions in many parts of the body. It is commonly used to examine the function of organs such as the kidneys, liver and heart, as well as muscles and joints such as knees and hips.
The ultrasound scanner is like a small roller, which is moved over the skin above the area to be scanned and sends sound waves through the skin and muscles. When they are reflected back to the scanning machine, these waves are transformed into a video imagine on a TV screen which can then be printed onto paper or x-ray film.
A ultrasound scan can be performed externally, or internally through natural body cavities such as the vagina or anus. If an organ such as liver or kidneys is being examined, the patient lies on his or her side or back on an examination table and a gel is spread over the skin over that area to allow the scan to define to organs as clearly as possible.
If the ultrasound scan is for the purpose of monitoring or determining pregnancy, the scanner may be inserted vaginally, which should not cause many more discomfort than routine pelvic examination, or passed over the belly.
This type of ultrasound scanning is used as a medical diagnostic technique to help monitor and diagnose conditions in many parts of the body. It is commonly used to examine the function of organs such as the kidneys, liver and heart, as well as muscles and joints such as knees and hips.
The ultrasound scanner is like a small roller, which is moved over the skin above the area to be scanned and sends sound waves through the skin and muscles. When they are reflected back to the scanning machine, these waves are transformed into a video imagine on a TV screen which can then be printed onto paper or x-ray film.
A ultrasound scan can be performed externally, or internally through natural body cavities such as the vagina or anus. If an organ such as liver or kidneys is being examined, the patient lies on his or her side or back on an examination table and a gel is spread over the skin over that area to allow the scan to define to organs as clearly as possible.
If the ultrasound scan is for the purpose of monitoring or determining pregnancy, the scanner may be inserted vaginally, which should not cause many more discomfort than routine pelvic examination, or passed over the belly.