UltrasoundMany people associate an ultrasound scan with pregnancy, but they can be used for many different medical purposes. In this post you will learn what an ultrasound is, what it is used for, and also the advantages and disadvantages.

What is an ultrasound scan?

An ultrasound scan, also known as sonography, uses sound waves to capture images of what is inside a person’s body. Much like a bat uses sounds and their echoes to “see” its surroundings, this type of scan emits sound too high for a human to hear, and then records the echoes to determine the shape of organs or soft tissues. The scan allows doctors to see what is inside the body without making an incision.

What do doctors use it for?

  • Pregnancy. Many expectant mothers have this type of scan performed so the doctor can see how the unborn baby is doing. Some health problems can be detected this way. Also, the parents get a first peek at the child, sometimes learning the sex of the baby.
  • Diagnosing health problems in many internal organs, such as:
    • gallbladder
    • kidneys
    • liver
    • ovaries
    • uterus
    • pancreas
    • spleen
    • thyroid
    • testicles
    • bladder
    • eyes
    • heart
    • blood vessels
  • Medical Procedures. Doctors may use this type of scan during certain procedures, such as needle biopsies, to help in precision.

What are the advantages of using ultrasound imagery?

  • The biggest advantage: this type of scan is virtually painless, and it does not require an incision.
  • They are safe! They do not emit any radiation, unlike X-rays and CT scans.
  • Also, they detect soft tissues that X-rays do not capture well.
  • They are less expensive than many other imaging techniques.

Are there any disadvantages?

  • Certain areas of the body cannot be imaged using ultrasound. For instance, ultrasound scans cannot go through bone. They also cannot be used in organs where gas is present, such as the lungs.
  • Ultrasounds are not as detailed as other imaging techniques, and this lack of detail can sometimes result in misleading images.

Ultrasound scans allow doctors to see organs and soft tissues without being invasive. This is useful for pregnancies and many other medical conditions. Medical technology continues to advance, giving doctors more and more options to diagnose and treat their valued patients safely and effectively.