What is Ultrasound?
Ultrasound, also known as sonography, ultrasonography, USG, is a non-invasive, radiation free mode of diagnostic imaging technique used to assess the various abdominal and pelvic organs, vascular structure, muscles and tendons and also to evaluate the congenital abnormalities and well-being and optimal growth of foetus during pregnancy.
Ultrasound for pregnancy or USG for pregnancy is a primary mode of diagnostic imaging technique to provide diagnosis.
With the advances in ultrasound, we can obtain 3D ultrasound/4D ultrasound images of the foetus, Demarcate the lesions in thyroid and breast by elastography and also know the architecture of the liver using shear wave technique.
Why is Ultrasound Test/Sonography Test performed?
- To diagnose pathologies of abdomen like liver/ spleen enlargement, appendicitis, bowel obstruction, various hernias.
- To diagnose pathologies of kidneys such as calculi, cysts, mass lesions, urinary tract infection.
- To diagnose pathologies of pelvis in males like prostatomegaly (BPH).
- To diagnose pathologies of pelvis in females like fibroids, ovarian cysts, PCOD.
- For follicular monitoring.
- To diagnose pregnancy, know number of foetuses, detection of congenital foetal abnormalities, Colour Doppler study to evaluate foetal blood flow.
- Doppler ultrasound studies of arteries and veins to see for varicose veins, peripheral vascular disease.
- Renal Doppler, Carotid Doppler and Portal Doppler.
- Scrotal Doppler for evaluation of varicocele.
What are the preparations required for Ultrasonography Test?
Scans such of whole abdomen ultrasound, kidneys require fasting of about 4-6hrs. Other special tests require specific preparations as needed. The patient is always advised to carry previous reports for comparison.