What is an ultrasound?
Ultrasound technology allows medical professionals to get images of what’s going on inside a patient’s abdomen. Also known as sonography, an ultrasound uses a transducer to send high-frequency sound into the abdomen, where it bounces against the organs and surrounding soft tissue. When bounced back, the waves can be translated into an image displayed on a computer screen.
That image can be used to learn more about what’s going on inside your body. As you already know, ultrasounds can be used to see a baby while it’s developing in the womb, even determining the baby’s sex and size. But it can also be used as a diagnostic tool.
How is an ultrasound used in medical diagnosis?
The images produced during an ultrasound can be used to examine a number of internal organs, including the kidneys, liver, pancreas, uterus, ovaries and more. Plus, it can help the Fresno Women’s Care team assess the way blood is flowing to those organs. Using ultrasound imaging, your practitioner can clearly see and accurately diagnose a number of health issues, including:
- Abscesses, cysts, and other fluid buildups
- Internal blockages
- Blood clots
- Tumors
- Certain infections
How is an ultrasound used during medical procedures?
Because an ultrasound gives Dr. Vishwanath a noninvasive way to take a look inside your body, it can be a useful tool during certain procedures. He can use the ultrasound to guide surgical instruments safely without the need for any large-scale incisions.
What should I expect during my ultrasound?
Depending on the reason for your ultrasound, the Fresno Women’s Care team may give you certain preparatory instructions, such as fasting before your procedure. Before your ultrasound, a clear gel will be applied to the skin of your abdomen to help the ultrasound technology glide smoothly against your skin without any air obstructing it.
You can then relax as your ultrasound is performed. If you’re getting the ultrasound to see the baby inside your womb, the Fresno Women’s Care team will ensure you can see the resulting images. Your ultrasound will most likely take between 30 minutes and an hour.
For more information about ultrasounds as a diagnostic tool or an opportunity to see your unborn baby, call Fresno Women’s Care or request your appointment online.
