There are several types of ultrasound. Each will be conducted depending on the body part you wish to study and review and the current condition of the patient. Overall, ultrasound machines are considered safe, convenient and effective. Abdominal ultrasound, in particular, are generally used to determine the presence of abnormalities in the body. Knowing how the process works, as well as doing the necessary preparations will come in very useful.

About Abdominal Ultrasound

Abdominal ultrasound generally provides a picture of organs and other existing structures found in the upper abdomen. Ultrasound imaging or sonography in this case will expose the inner parts to high frequency sound waves, thereby producing images without the need for any invasive approach. The pictures will be captured in real time so you can actually see the structures and blood flowing through the blood vessels.

Abdominal ultrasound aims to help doctors diagnose problems and medical conditions to find effective and immediate treatment. Doppler ultrasound can also be included during abdominal ultrasound testing. Doppler ultrasound is a technique that assesses blood as it moves through blood vessels. This will include the major veins and arteries in the arms, legs, neck and abdomen.

Other Discoveries

Abdominal ultrasound machines are also used to evaluate body organs such as the liver, kidneys, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen and abdominal aorta. Several conditions can be discovered such as aneurysm in the aorta, abnormal liver function, abdominal pains, gallbladder or kidney stones and enlargement of the abdominal organ. Ultrasound may also be used together with needle biopsies to guide and make sure that needles reach and extract the right cells.

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During Doppler ultrasound, images can help physicians locate and evaluate narrowing of blood vessels, usually caused by plaque. Blockages or clots can also be discovered as well as congenital defects and tumors.

Proper Preparations

Make sure you wear loose and comfortable clothes during the ultrasound test. Jewelry and clothing covering the parts to be examined will have to be removed. You may be asked to wear a gown for the procedure. If you have had barium enema or upper gastrointestinal or GI series tests in the past 2 days, tell your doctor immediately. The barium that remains in the intestines can interfere with the diagnostic test.

Preparations will depend on the organ to be examined. For observation of the pancreas, spleen, gallbladder and liver, you will need to have a fat-free final meal. Avoid eating 8 to 12 hours before taking the test as indicated by your doctor. To observe the aorta, you need to avoid food 8 to 12 hours before going through the ultrasound machines too. To observe the kidneys, you need to drink about 4 to 6 glasses of water or other liquid 1 hour before the examination for a full bladder. You have to avoid food 8 to 12 hours before to keep gas from accumulating in the intestines.

What to Expect

Generally, abdominal ultrasound machines are quick, painless and easy. Once you are positioned on the examination table, the sonographer or radiologist will put some warm gel on the skin then put the transducer well against your body, moving the tool back and forth over the affected area to get the needed images. If scanning is done over a tender area, you might feel some pressure or mild pain. The gel will be wiped off after imaging is done. You can resume regular activities afterwards.

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The Doppler

Doppler ultrasound machines make use of the Doppler effect wherein reflected sound waves are used to evaluate blood as it moves through blood vessels. Doctors will know whether blood flow is normal along the major veins and arteries of the legs, arms and neck. Doctors will also find the presence of blockage or minimal blood flow through narrowed major arteries. For example, if blockage or narrowing is detected in the neck, the patient could be at risk for stroke. If blood clots are present in the veins of the legs, the patient could be at risk for deep vein thrombosis.

During the procedure, a transducer, which is a handheld instrument, will be passed lightly over the skin over the blood vessel. The transducer sends and gets amplified sound waves via a microphone. The sound waves will bounce off solid materials inside the body, including blood cells.

A change in pitch of the reflected sound waves or the Doppler effect will take place via the movement of blood cells. The pitch will not change if there is zero or insufficient blood flow. A computer processes the reflected sound waves to make pictures and graphs that will show blood flow through the vessels. The results will be saved for future comparison and evaluation.

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4 Kinds of Doppler Ultrasound

There are 4 types of Doppler ultrasound – duplex Doppler, bedside Doppler, color Doppler and power Doppler. Duplex Doppler ultrasound machines use basic ultrasound approaches to create an image of the blood vessel, plus surrounding organs. The Doppler sounds will be transformed into a graph with the use of a computer. Bedside Doppler is also known as continuous wave Doppler. This kind involves the changes in sound wave pitches to get information about blood flow through blood vessels. Physicians will evaluate blood flow using the transducer to know if there is narrowing or blockage. This type is usually done in hospitals using a portable ultrasound machine.

Color Doppler makes use of basic ultrasound approaches to create an image of a blood vessel. The computer transforms the sounds received into colors that will entail the speed and direction of blood moving through the veins and arteries. Power Doppler is a new form which is about 5 times more sensitive compared to Color Doppler when examining blood flow.

This type can get images that are hard or impossible to get using standard types. It is very common when evaluating blood flow via vessels in solid organs. Traditionally, color and duplex dopplers were used in conjunction to know the speed and direction of blood flow accurately.

More Doppler Points

Doppler ultrasound machine results can be interfered by a number of factors such as the presence of bones over the area being examined or presence of gas in the intestines, presence of an open wound in the area to be examined, extreme obesity, irregular heart rhythms or heart disease which can alter blood flow patterns and a cold extremity which slows down blood flow.

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Testicular Ultrasound

Testicular ultrasound or sonogram is a highly safe and effective procedure that uses reflected sound vibrations to create images of the testicles, together with the scrotum. The image will present the coiled tube lying behind each testicle to collect sperm, also known as the epididymis and the vas deferens, the tube that links the prostate gland and the testicles. Radiation is not used in the procedure, making it completely safe.

A handheld instrument called a transducer will be scanning the scrotum back and forth, sending sound vibrations to the computer, which in turn will convert these into clear images displayed on a video monitor. The picture created is called a sonogram, scan or echogram. These can be saved as permanent record for future comparison.

Why the Test is Needed

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Testicular ultrasound should be done so that doctors can evaluate the mass they palpate during physical examination. If the patient feels pain in the testicles, ultrasound machines are a way to find out more about the concealed problem. The test will also determine if there is testicular torsion, wherein the spermatic cord twists and cuts off blood supply to the testicles. The test can find undescended testicles too. Fluids in the epididymis or scrotum, also known as spermatocele and hydrocele respectively can also be found. The test can also look for pus in the scrotum or pyocele and hematocele or blood in the scrotum. Injury in the genital area and biopsy needle guidance are other cases wherein ultrasound is used.

Final Tips

There are no special preparations or known side effects or risks associated with testicular ultrasound. You will need to sign a consent form before taking a biopsy. Ask your doctor about all your concerns regarding the test. It is a quick and painless procedure, lasting no more than 30 minutes. An ultrasound technologist will do the ultrasound, most likely, in the ultrasound room of the clinic or hospital.

You will be asked to take your clothes off and lie on your back. Folded towels will be covering the penis and lifting the scrotum for smoother scanning. Gel will be applied on the scrotum for the transducer to move easily along the surface. You may feel the coldness of the gel or tenderness or pain in highly sensitive areas. Take a deep breath and hold for a matter of seconds during scanning. Afterwards, the gel will be removed and you can put your clothes on again. You can leave the clinic immediately after the doctor’s advice or interpretation of results.

You can resume normal activities after the test, since it is a non-invasive procedure. Further diagnostic examinations may be prescribed depending on the results. In most cases, you will only be required to go through ultrasound machines once. If there is a lump or mass in your testicles, a biopsy will be required to find out whether it is benign or malignant. Follow your doctor’s guidelines after the test or if any follow-up procedure is necessary.

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Uses of Fetal Ultrasound

Routine ultrasounds can confirm whether a person is really pregnant, as well as the current location the developing fetus. Some embryos will grow in the fallopian tube instead of the uterus. The examination can help the health professional find out the exact location and treat ectopic or tubal pregnancy before it threatens the mother’s health. The baby’s gestational age can also be determined accurately. The due date of delivery and different milestones of the pregnancy can also be determined. Wanting to know the baby’s gender does not spur doctors to immediately recommend ultrasound.

A fetal ultrasound machine can help you determine the number of babies present should you have a multiple pregnancy. Other possible complications regarding multiple pregnancy can be greatly avoided by early viewing. The baby’s growth and development can be seen as well. Features such as the baby’s breathing, heart rate and movement can be determined. The placenta can be studied to know whether it is providing enough oxygen and nutrients to the baby.

More Uses

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Ultrasound examination can screen for the presence of Down syndrome. It can be done during the 11th up to the 14th week of pregnancy to initially screen for the problem. Blood tests will also be required. Early detection of the problem can greatly prevent the development of mental retardation and other problems. The ultrasound will be used by the physician to measure specific parts of the baby’s neck.

The procedure can also check for the presence of bleeding and other signs and symptoms. The main cause can be determined using ultrasound. Other prenatal tests will also require ultrasound to properly guide the procedures. For example, ultrasound will be used to help needle placement during specific prenatal tests. A sample of amniotic fluid for certain genetic problems or placenta testing will be needed, thus requiring ultrasound.

Different Kinds of Fetal Ultrasound

Standard ultrasound provides 2D images to help determine the baby’s gestational age, growth and development. This takes about 20 minutes. Advanced ultrasound is used to find problems in the body, using more advanced equipment. This takes anywhere between 30 minutes and several hours. 3D ultrasound provides 3D images to help health professionals assess images from advanced ultrasounds. Doppler imaging uses the Doppler effect to get details about circulation for cases like high blood pressure and slow fetal growth.

Transvaginal ultrasound machines involve a thin wand-like device which will be inserted into the vagina to send sound waves that will collect reflections. It is often used during early pregnancy, when the fallopian tubes and uterus are still located near the vagina, compared to the abdominal surface. Fetal echocardiography gives a clear picture of the baby’s heart. It can determine the presence of congenital heart defect.

Fetal ultrasound machines can be anytime during the pregnancy. Routine fetal ultrasound is conducted anywhere between 18 and 20 weeks, when body organs are still very visible.

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The Early Days

Ultrasound machine applications in the medical setting should have begun when people started measuring distance using sound waves underwater. SONAR actually means Sound Navigation and Ranging. Medical Sonars are also regarded as ultrasound scanners. In 1826, Dr. Jean-Daniel Colladon from Switzerland succeeded in using a bell underwater to know the speed of sound in Lake Geneva.

During the later 1800s, physicists started identifying the fundamental physics of sound waves, refraction, propagation and transmission. Lord Rayleigh from England, published “The Theory of Sound” in 1877. Lazzaro Spallanzani from Italy can be credited for discovering ultrasound in 1794 when he showed how bats can accurately navigate in the dark using echo reflection from inaudible sound in high frequency. Francis Galton created very high frequency sound vibrations in 1876, which was inaudible to human ears, through the Galton Whistle.

Breakthroughs

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In 1880, Pierre Curie and Jacques Curie from France discovered the piezo-electric effect. Ultrasound was then found to be possibly generated and received in megahertz. Sonar detection systems were first created for underwater explorations and navigation. The invention of the Diode and Triode in the 1900s also boosted developments in ultrasound. Paul Langevin and Constantin Chilowsky from France developed strong high frequency echo-sound devices that produced ultrasound. The hydrophone was born, using the tranducer using quartz crystal discovered by the Curie brothers.

Dr. Ian Donald

Dr. Ian Donald suggested that sonar can be used in conjunction with medical diagnosis. The practice begun after ultrasound was used limitedly after World War II. On July 21, 1955, he started working on experiments involving the industrial ultrasonic metal flaw detector. Ultrasound was then found to be quite useful in detecting and differentiating fibroids, abdominal tumors and cysts.

Dr. Karl Theodore Dussik from Austria investigated transmission ultrasound in the brain in 1942 and published several items on medical ultrasonics. Dr. Ian Donald and other colleagues from Glasgow can be credited as doing a lot in the development of applications and practical technology. Their works have led to the wider use of the technology in present medical practice. More commercial systems were made available such as greyscale and bistable images. Doppler ultrasound was also developed by combining Duplex scanning and Color scanning. Today, even blood flow through the vessels of the body can be seen. 3D and 4D imaging are now available, led by the creation of the microchip in the 1970s.

There are several types of ultrasound available at present, each used depending on the current condition of the patient and the body organ that needs to be examined. All these are relatively safe, convenient and affordable to use. These also offer little to zero risk and do not require any preparations from patients. The procedures are also non-invasive and painless so individuals can immediately resume normal activities after testing.

It is possible that more than one scanning will be required depending on the clarity of images.

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For Obstetrics

Ultrasound machines are commonly used in pregnant women, whether they intend to simply view the current position, gender and condition of their baby or want to determine if there are any abnormalities. The uterus is the most common organ viewed among female patients, since it holds the fetus throughout pregnancy. Ultrasound scanning is recommended between 16 and 18 weeks of pregnancy.

Once the date of conception is identified, the test can show if the fetus is of the right size. If the date of conception is not yet known, ultrasound can help determine the accurate date of conception. The test will also effectively show if there is more than one baby in the womb. Congenital heart disease can be discovered too, allowing physicians to make the immediate and necessary treatments. Ultrasound can be used in conjunction with amniocentesis, wherein a needle is inserted to take amniotic fluid for analysis.

Other conditions and features that can be identified via the procedure include early fetal death, general health of the baby, position of the placenta, ectopic pregnancy and potential miscarriage. Other structures in the area such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, etc. may also be viewed to identify cysts and causes of infertility.

Besides Pregnancy

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Aside from obstetric reasons, ultrasound machines also function well for other cases such as checking the brain of the newborn baby, assessing internal organs like the appendix for possible complications and abnormalities, evaluation of the eyes and scanning the liver for cirrhosis and cysts. Ultrasound can also be used to scan the thyroid gland, spleen, bladder, breasts and eyes for the presence of foreign objects, cysts and tumors. Organ enlargement can be identified, together with tendon tears and approval for angioplasty.

For the Heart

A specialized type of ultrasound is called echocardiography, wherein the heart is checked for proper function and form. It is a major diagnostic method that aims to identify the valves, major blood vessels and heart wall. Blood flow moving across the valves and blood vessels can be measured too. Echocardiography comes in very useful to identify disorders of heart valves. The heart valves should be opening and closing normally.

Ultrasound machines for echocardiography will come in handy too when trying to detect congenital heart disease, complications in the large blood vessels, blood clots in the heart chambers, heart muscle damage or enlargement or cardiomyopathy and pericarditis or inflammation of the pericardium. Aneurysms can also be detected.

Doppler echocardiography is a new ultrasound approach that can measure the velocity of blood flow through the heart indirectly. It can check for malfunctioning valves in the case of aortic stenosis and mitral insufficiency.

For Biopsy

Ultrasound machines are also used during fine needle biopsy procedures. It gives an actual moving image which is very useful when guiding the needle to reach the specific spot correctly. Follow doctor’s instructions carefully before undergoing any procedure.

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Ultrasound machines have become very common nowadays as several cases, both minor and serious, require it for diagnostic purposes. It is important to understand how ultrasound works to fully identify possible problems in the human body and determine the right methods that can alleviate these. There are different types of ultrasound, each used depending on the current case and the organ that needs to be examined.

The Types of Ultrasound

The basic ultrasound machine has a transducer probe which receives and sends sound waves. It shows a two-dimensional image or presents the slice of a three-dimensional object. 3D ultrasound imaging has been developed wherein many two-dimensional images are taken through the use of probes moving along the body surface or inserted probes rotating simultaneously. The 2D scans will later be combined using specialized computer software, leading to 3D images.

The third kind of ultrasound is called the Doppler ultrasound which is based on the Doppler Effect. Once the object reflecting ultrasound waves moves, the frequency of the echoes change, thereby producing a higher frequency if moving toward the probe or a lower frequency if moving away from the probe. The frequency changed will depend on the speed of the moving object. Doppler ultrasound is then used to measure frequency change of echoes to identify the speed of moving objects. It comes in useful for measuring blood flow rate through major arteries and the heart.

Other General Functions

Ultrasound machines are used for a variety of functions and settings, ranging from gynecology to oncology. It is very advantageous since structures can be observed and studied without the need for radiation. It is also faster compared to X-rays and other radiographic methods.

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Some of the major uses in obstetrics and gynecology include measuring fetal size to know the due date, checking the placenta’s position to determine if it is not developing well over the uterus opening, identifying the gender of the baby, detecting ectopic pregnancy, determining if there is enough amniotic cushioning for the fetus and monitoring the fetus during special procedures like amniocentesis. In urology, ultrasound can be used to look for kidney stones and detect prostate cancer. In cardiology, blood flow can be measured in the heart and major blood vessels.

The Mechanism

During ultrasound examination, the transducer functions so you can view the target organ and make pictures for further observation. The transducer produces sound and discovers the echoes bouncing back when it is placed over the body organ being viewed. An echo is created when the produced sound hits a border between tissues that conduct sound uniquely.

The computer analyzes the echoes. Ultrasound waves pass through soft tissues and fluids easily, so the process is very useful when examining fluid-filled organs like the uterus, liver and gallbladder. The waves cannot penetrate gas or bone, making it ineffective when viewing regions surrounded by bone or places with gas. Most parts of the body can be examined by ultrasound.

Limitations

Ultrasound machines involve a non-invasive imaging procedure. It is painless, cost-effective and easy to use. Invasive procedures like needle biopsies can be done with the help of ultrasound as a guiding tool. There are no known dangerous effects that stem from ultrasound imaging. Since it has limited viewing power from air or bone, other imaging techniques will come in handier for bone and lung viewing.

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About the Therapy

Ultrasound therapy involves high frequency sound vibrations creating heat that can minimize pain sensations. It can treat several conditions such as fibromyalgia, arthritis and other musculoskeletal injuries. The process is usually performed during occupational, manipulation therapy and physical therapy wherein it creates heat to affected cells and tissues.

Some of the known benefits are the reduction of nerve root irritation, healing enhancement without irritation, break up and soften scar tissue and adhesions, minimize chronic inflammation and swelling and enhancement of the natural healing processes of the body. Overall, ultrasound is considered very safe and useful. It has a number of risks, like the possibility of patients to have burns. Individuals should consult their doctor first before attempting to receive therapeutic ultrasound.

Some contraindications of the therapy include pregnancy, presence of a pacemaker and scanning of the reproductive organs, heart, eyes and skull. The tool is kept from areas that are usually affected by cancer. Therapeutic ultrasound is different from diagnostic ultrasound since weaker sound waves are used to make images of the structures inside.

Assessment

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Some of the professionals who can recommend you to take ultrasound therapy are chiropractors, physical therapists, occupational therapists and athletic coaches. Speech language pathologists may also refer patients who have dysphagia or problems with swallowing. Before conducting thermotherapy or diathermy, your doctor will need to take your medical background and conduct a physical exam to ensure that the process is appropriate.

Your doctor may ask you where you are feeling pain and how intense it is. The duration of the pain will also be considered, together with its frequency. Tell your doctor if you have any problem with movement due to the pain.

The Treatment

Therapeutic ultrasound machines can also be used for other modalities like electrical therapy, cryotherapy and hot pack. The patient will be asked to sit or lie on a padded table for the procedure. A coupling agent or ultrasound gel will be applied to ensure that the transducer is in contact with your skin. The intensity, duration and frequency of the treatment will depend on the patient’s condition and health objectives.

The practitioner will place the transducer over the affected area and begin scanning back and forth in circular motions. Hot spots and burns can be avoided by moving the ultrasound head constantly over the entire treatment site. Ultrasound waves can be applied in either pulsed or continuous mode. During pulsed mode, ultrasound machine waves are sent intermittently to prevent tissue heating. Cell wall permeability is still enhanced, however. During continuous mode, ultrasound waves are constantly sent to the affected area.

You should feel comfortable heat or no sensation during the procedure. The whole treatment, in most cases, lasts only between 5 to 10 minutes. You can resume regular activities such as driving after or go directly to exercise therapy as indicated by your doctor.

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Prostate ultrasound machines can show pictures of a male patient’s prostate gland. The procedure usually involves the insertion of a probe into the individual’s rectum. The probe will send and receive sound vibrations through the rectal wall right into the prostate gland, since it is located just in front of the rectum. The images presented will then give doctors a clear idea about the current condition and if further tests or treatment is necessary.

Basic Uses

A transrectal ultrasound involving the prostate gland is done to check for present disorders in the organ, to determine if the prostate gland is enlarged, to determine the cause of infertility among male patients and to detect abnormal growths in the prostate. Measurements will be acquired depending on the requirements of the treatment plan.

Symptoms can be diagnosed such as difficulty in urination, nodule felt by the doctor during routine physical check-up or during prostate cancer screening exam and elevation in blood test results. Needle biopsies can also be guided effectively by ultrasound since it provides real-time images. Biopsy is a procedure wherein sample tissues or cells are acquired from the prostate gland for future lab tests.

Preparations and Expectations

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To prepare for prostate ultrasound machines, you have to wear loose-fitting and comfortable clothes. You will be asked to take off clothing, jewelry and other materials that are covering the area that needs to be tested. You may wear a gown too during the process. An enema is taken 2 to 4 hours prior to the test to ensure that your bowel is clean. The doctor will also ask you to drink 4 to 6 glasses of water before the test, since a full bladder better visualizes the prostate gland.

The equipment looks like a console with computer and electronics. There is a video display screen and transducer that will scan the blood vessels and organs. The transducer is similar to a microphone that sends out sound waves and listens for echoes returning to depict a clear image of the prostate. The device is covered and lubricated during both transrectal and transvaginal tests, since it has to be inserted.

During the Test

A disposable protective covering will be put over the transducer. Afterwards, it will be lubricated then inserted into the rectum. The presenting images will be acquired using different angles to get the clearest picture of the prostate gland. Prostate ultrasound usually requires the patient to lie on his or her left side with the knees bent slightly up.

If biopsy is also done during lesion detection, a needle will be advanced into the prostate gland. The radiologist checks the ultrasound machine to ensure that the needle is placed properly into the gland. Some tissue will be taken to be examined under the microscope. Once the diagnostic test is complete, you can dress up and wait for the radiologist and physician to review the findings. You can also walk out of the clinic instantly. The entire examination will take only about 20 minutes.

Most ultrasound machines are quick, easy and painless. You may feel slight discomfort as the transducer is inserted into your rectum. The lubrication will ease the pressure and friction. If a biopsy is done, added discomfort or mild pain may be felt by the patient since the wall of the rectum is usually insensitive near the prostate. You can resume regular activities afterwards.

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Ultrasound machines use the very same principles that bats and ships use. Once sound vibrations hit objects, echoes return, which are then measured to determine the distance, size, shape and consistency of objects. The test will also show if the object is fluid-filled, solid or both. During prostate ultrasound, a transducer is inserted in the male patient to detect possible conditions and other abnormalities that can threaten health.

General Prostate Ultrasound

During the examination, the transducer will send sound vibrations then record the returning echoes. Once it is pressed against the skin, small pulses of high-frequency sound waves, inaudible to human ears are sent into the body. Once the waves bounce off the fluids, tissues and internal organs, the microphone inside the transducer records the slightest changes in the direction and pitch of the sound. The signature waves are immediately measured and displayed by a computer, providing real-time images on the screen. One or more frames can be captured as still images.

The Procedure

The prostate gland of males is found directly in front of the rectum. The ultrasound test is then performed transrectally. A disposable protective cover will be put over the transducer. The probe will then be lubricated and inserted into the rectum. If there is a suspicious lesion present, a biopsy may be performed, using ultrasound to guide the needle to correctly target the organ and acquire the necessary cells or tissues. The entire exam is usually done in 20 minutes or less.

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Expect the ultrasound machine to be quick and painless. You may feel slight discomfort upon insertion of the probe into your body. Needle insertion during biopsy renders minimal pain. A radiologist is assigned to supervise and translate the results. The images will be saved followed by a report sent to the referring physician or primary care center. The results will most likely be available in a few minutes or after 1 or 2 days.

Advantages and Disadvantages

The only disadvantage of diagnostic ultrasound is that there is some heat produced and bubbles possibly formed. These effects have very minimal effects, however, rendering the procedure safe as a whole. Ultrasound machines are widely available, portable and easy-to-use. It is also less costly to go through it compared to other popular methods. There are no health problems incurred due to radiation and other traditional measures.

Men who used to have surgical removal of the tail end of their rectum or bowel are not the best candidates for prostate gland ultrasound, since it is required to put a probe inside the rectum. The size of the probe is similar to a finger. You need to have an enema too 2 to 4 hours prior to the procedure. You are also not allowed to urinate, so that your full bladder can better present images. Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic, taken in 4 doses from the night before the test until the day after the test.

Stay relaxed and wear comfortable clothing for the diagnostic procedure. Ultrasound machines are generally painless. You may have some mucus or bleeding in your rectum after the procedure. Some experience some blood in their urine up to 2 days after the ultrasound. Blood may also show in the semen.

Minimal blood should be no concern, but report any other unusualities immediately to your physician.