When Is Ultrasound Scanning Called For?

One of the very important tools that doctors have these days to help them get a glimpse into the inside of patients without the need to cut them open or expose them to any harmful rays is through the use of ultrasound scanning. This is a safe, noninvasive way for doctors to see what's going on inside you to help determine how they can best meet your health care needs.


Ultrasound technology has been around for decades. The medical use of ultrasound was done in Maryland in the late 1940's. The first commercial hand held ultrasound device was released in 1963. Over the years advances and improvements have made the technology more complete, clear and useful to doctors.

One of the best known forms of ultrasound scanning is in obstetrics. Pregnant women are generally given an ultrasound scan about half way through their pregnancy to check on the fetus, its growth and vitals, determine the amount of amniotic fluid and the position of the placenta as well as checking for any other abnormalities or areas of concern. In women with at-risk pregnancies or when there are complications, ultrasound scanning may be done more frequently.

In other areas of women's health, ultrasound scanning can be used to help in the diagnosis and developing treatment methods for ovarian cysts and fibroid tumors. It can also help locating endometriosis, and determining quality and quantity of eggs for those undergoing fertility treatment. Ultrasound scans also can be used with mammography to get a better look at masses in the breasts.

Another important application of ultrasound scanning is in vascular ultrasounds. Doctors call for this type of ultrasound in patients with issues with their circulation. Doppler ultrasound is utilized, which means that a lower frequency is used and Doppler measurements are taken of the blood flowing through the veins. A color Doppler, the most advanced type, displays images of the veins in different colors, indicating the direction of blood flow. It is also able to determine velocity. Vascular ultrasound scanning makes it possible to determine the cause and severity of a stroke and locate blockages such as blood clots, plaque and tumors.

Ultrasound scanning is also used by doctors in viewing muscles, tendons and ligaments. It is perfect for this application because, while it does not display very soft tissue, it does reflect off of muscles, organs and bones very well, creating a good picture of what is inside. It is used to help guide during procedures that are noninvasive. Only a small incision is made, because the ultrasound can show the doctor where to go, without the need to open the patient up and see what they're doing.

Ultrasound scanning has so many applications in medicine that it is likely that most people will be called in for an ultrasound scan at some point in their life. This is nothing to be afraid of, but be grateful that there is a safe and effective way for your doctor to find out what's going on inside you without causing you any pain!

 





Ultrasound News:

 

Poll: Majority of Virginians support required ultrasound before abortion
RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) - Few subjects churn out passion and debate in Virginia's General Assembly quite as effectively as the topic of abortion rights...


Parker: Court ruling on ultrasound law worth celebrating - The Times Herald

Parker: Court ruling on ultrasound law worth celebrating
The Times Herald
The court last week upheld the constitutionality of a new law in Texas requiring that abortion providers do ultrasound exams and that a woman listen to the physician's description of her unborn child and to the heartbeat before deciding whether to .

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Research and Markets: Analysis of the U.S. Medical Ultrasound Imaging Systems Market: a Frost & Sullivan report
Research and Markets has announced the addition of Frost & Sullivan's new report "Analysis of the U.S. Med..

Appeals court unblocks Texas 'ultrasound' abortion law
A Texas law requiring abortion providers to show or describe an ultrasound image to a pregnant woman and to play sounds of the fetal heartbeat does not violate the U.S. Constitution, according to a federal appeals court...


Tim Tebow inspires gift for Knights of Columbus
After watching the comeback of Broncos' quarterback Tim Tebow against the Chicago Bears Dec. 11, a woman said she was inspired to donate $5,000 in his name to the Knights of Columbus..


Proposed Bill Calls for Ultrasound Before Abortion
Lynchburg, VA EUR Republican Del. Kathy Bryon is proposing a bill that would require a pregnant woman to have an ultrasound before an abortion. Bryon, who represents the 22nd District, says she is more confident in it this time around, calling the bill "medically responsible."..





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