Ultrasound is a dynamic imaging technique that uses low-power sound waves to look at structures inside the body. It is painless. A radiologist uses a hand-held device (probe) and glides it over the area of interest to visualize organs. A water-based ultrasound jelly is used to smoothen the movement of the probe over your body. It has no radiation risk as it does not use ionizing radiation.

When is an Ultrasound done?

It is used to look at superficial and deep structures and help in diagnosis. Among a variety of reasons for performing an ultrasound, here are a few indications:

To look at specific accessible areas in the brain in a child < 1 year of age

To look at the abdomen structures - liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, bowel, urinary bladder, etc.

To look at kidney stones

To look at gallbladder stones

To look at bowel dilatation/inflammation

To look at fluid around the lungs or abdomen

To look at the testes' position

To look at the uterus and ovaries

To look at hernias, hydroceles

To look at ovarian/testicular torsion

To look for appendicitis

How do you prepare for an Ultrasound?

Wear loose clothing

Carry previous reports/operative details in case you have undergone a surgery earlier

A pelvis ultrasound may require a full bladder

A fasting scan may be required to look at the gallbladder

It is advisable to first get the abdomen ultrasound done before giving the urine sample as it may help save your time

A pre-feed and post-feed scansare required for the assessment of biliary atresia

Limitations of an Ultrasound:

Ultrasounds do not penetrate hard structures such as bones. Therefore, structures deep into them are not accessible. Very deep structures in the abdomen may be difficult to visualize depending on the patient's habitus.