What is an Ultrasound Scan and How Does it Work?
An ultrasound is an imaging technique that uses sound waves to see movement inside your body. These waves are high frequency, so you won’t hear them, but the echoes they create inside your body can be used to build a detailed picture of what is happening inside.
To get started with your scan, you will be asked to remove clothes that cover the area your consultant wants to scan and observe. An oil-based jelly is then applied to the area, which ensures there is no air gap between the probe and your skin.
A probe is moved across your body, emitting the high-frequency sounds used in the scan. Every time these sound waves hit a change in tissue density (for example, between bone and soft tissue), some of the waves reflect back at the probe, which records these reflections. The ultrasound machine calculates the distance the sound travelled in your body before reflecting back and then displays the information on a screen as a two-dimensional image.
This image shows the distance and the intensity of the reflected waves, creating a 2D picture of what is happening in your body. Your consultant radiologist will read the image to help form a diagnosis.
When Will I Need a Scan?
An ultrasound is a very popular diagnosis tool because it is harmless and can be useful in a wide variety of situations. Since the scan is completed in real-time, it can show movements and changes as they happen, including how blood is flowing through your body.
Here are some of the ways we might use an ultrasound:
- Scanning your stomach, liver, spleen and pancreas to check for abnormalities
- Scanning your unborn baby to determine due date, size, sex, position, and development
- Evaluating hernias
- Musculoskeletal scans to identify muscle tears, joint inflammation and soft tissue tumours
- Measuring blood flow through your arteries and veins to check for problems (using a Doppler ultrasound scan)
- Scanning and biopsy of your thyroid gland
- Scanning your urinary tract to check your kidneys, bladder and ureters
- Scanning of the aorta to check for abdominal aneurysm
Book Your Radiology Consultation With Hillsborough Private Clinic Today
The latest 4D ultrasound equipment is just one of the many advanced tools available at our clinic. Visiting Hillsborough Private Clinic means you benefit from exceptional service, accurate and effective diagnostics and treatment plans, and short wait times. Our team of experts consists of several consultants who specialise in a number of different disciplines including ENT, General Surgery, Urology, and more. Enjoy the convenience of visiting one clinic for all of your appointments, as well as the comforting and relaxed atmosphere you will experience at Hillsborough Private Clinic.
