Ultrasound

What is an ultrasound?

Ultrasound is a noninvasive medical imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to capture, and produce real-time images or videos of the internal organs, as well as other soft tissues, like blood vessels, tendons, and muscles without the use of ionising radiation. It is an essential tool in preventive, and routine health screenings due to its safe, noninvasive, and real-time monitoring nature. As such, this enables doctors to see, and determine if there are any issues with the organs, tissues, and vessels without the need for surgical probes.

While there are different types of ultrasounds designed for an array of medical circumstances, at Ardennes Health, we offer:

How does an ultrasound work?

An ultrasound uses a transducer to send sound waves into the body, which bounce off the structures inside your body, and send them back to the transducer. These waves are then converted into electrical signals that translate into real-time images or videos, which are then displayed on a computer screen. Through these images and videos, doctors can visualise the internal organs, tissues, and even blood flow.

What benefits does an ultrasound offer?

Some of the benefits of an ultrasound include:

• Convenient and efficient
• No downtime
• Non-invasive procedure.
• Painless experience
• Portability
• Produces clear and dynamic real-time images in detail
• Safety (no radiation)
• A great alternative for patients who are unsuitable for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Why or when is an ultrasound typically recommended?

Some of the situations or scenarios that may require an ultrasound are:

• To determine the presence of a tumour or cyst.
• To evaluate the digestive, urinary, or reproductive system.
• To examine the internal organs such as the kidneys, liver, pancreas, ovaries, and more.
• To help in disease prevention.
• To monitor, and examine existing conditions or symptoms.
• To function as part of a health screening to ensure your insides are functioning healthily, and optimally.

How is an ultrasound performed?

An ultrasound scan is typically performed by an ultrasound technician, sometimes called a sonographer. While the preparation for an ultrasound exam varies depending on the type, and the part of the body that will be scanned, the procedure generally entails:

1. You will be asked to either lie on your back, or side on an examination couch.
2. The medical technician, or sonographer, will first apply a small amount of gel directly on top of the examination area.
3. The medical technician, or sonographer, proceeds to move a transducer over the gel to capture the images of your internal organ, and its surrounding structures.
4. Once the medical technician or sonographer has obtained sufficient images, they will then clean any gel residue.

The procedure typically takes roughly 10 to 15 minutes at most. However, it may last longer for more complex, and extensive cases, such as examining multiple organs.

What results can I expect?

Following an ultrasound, a radiologist will analyse the images and the videos. Once they have attained a definitive finding, the results will be interpreted for you. 

In the event they find any abnormalities, our doctor may recommend additional diagnostic methods, like a CT scan, x-ray, MRI, or biopsy. Additionally, our doctor may also begin outlining a treatment plan to treat these abnormalities immediately. On the other hand, if no abnormalities are found, then our doctor may advise you to schedule a follow-up appointment for health screening purposes.

How many ultrasound sessions are needed?

The frequency of an ultrasound will depend on your results. Although some patients with unsatisfactory results may require follow-up appointments, others may be advised to undergo an annual ultrasound examination for health screening purposes.

In fact, if you are looking to undergo a health screening for personal, or professional purposes, or to have certain symptoms investigated, then we encourage you to get in touch with us (link to contact us page) to schedule an appointment. Regain autonomy over your health by staying a step ahead.

Frequently asked questions