Ultrasound examination, or ultrasonography, is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce detailed images of internal organs in different body areas.
Ultrasound is a quick and safe procedure, often the initial diagnostic step in evaluating various medical conditions, working alongside the clinical examination.
How is an ultrasound examination performed?
Typically, the patient is positioned in a supine (lying on the back) position for the ultrasound examination, although certain specific scans may require different parts.
During the examination, a probe with a linear or convex interface is used. The probe emits sound waves at varying frequencies depending on the specific diagnostic requirements. To ensure proper ultrasound transmission, a gel is applied to the patient’s skin, eliminating any air gaps between the probe and the skin. This allows the search to gather information about the internal organs being investigated. The duration of the examination generally ranges from 20 to 30 minutes.
Usually, no specific preparation is needed for an ultrasound examination or an Echo-Color-Doppler study. However, abdominal ultrasound examinations may require fasting beforehand, and occasionally, the patient may be asked to have a full bladder.
When is ultrasound used?
Ultrasound is a versatile diagnostic technique used in various medical specialties, including:
- internal medicine
- gastroenterology
- orthopedics
- senology
- gynecology
- urology
- cardiology
- vascular surgery
Over time, technological advancements in ultrasound machines have expanded their applications across almost all medical fields.
What can be visualized with ultrasound?
Ultrasound allows for the examination of a wide range of structures in the human body, including:
- superficial tissues
- musculoskeletal system
- glands
- lymph nodes
- blood vessels
- internal organs
Typical applications involve imaging of abdominal organs, such as:
- liver
- gallbladder
- pancreas
- spleen
- urinary tract
- uterus
- ovaries (in women)
- prostate (in men)
It is also used for evaluating the thyroid, breast, testicles, muscles, tendons, and joints.
Ultrasound is frequently used in cardiovascular examinations, enabling the study of the heart and blood vessels using advanced techniques.
In addition, ultrasound can provide valuable information to contribute to the clinical-diagnostic process in traditionally challenging areas, such as:
- skeleton
- lungs
- intestines
Specialized applications involve the use of endocavitary, transrectal, or transvaginal probes for a more precise evaluation of hollow organs, such as:
- stomach
- small intestine
- large intestine
- prostate
- uterus
- ovaries
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