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What is Ultrasound?
Ultrasound imaging is a widely used and cost-effective method of diagnostic imaging used to examine organs, soft tissue and blood flow. It works by high frequency sound waves being sent into the body from a transducer held against the skin of the patient. This transducer also receives the sound waves reflected from tissue and blood as an echo. These echoes are converted by the ultrasound machine in real-time images displayed which can be seen on a monitor beside the patient.
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Doppler Sonography
A second method of ultrasound, called Doppler sonography, is used to detect and visualize blood flow while simultaneously viewing the internal body structure. Doppler sonography is mainly used to examine any blood flow abnormalities anywhere in the body as well as for the examination of cardiac function.
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What Happens during the Ultrasound Examination?
To improve the image quality, a harmless, odorless and water-soluble gel is applied to the skin where the transducer is placed. This may feel cool and moist, but the gel is wiped off thoroughly at the end of the examination.
Patients are usually asked to lie on a hospital bed or examining table for an ultrasound examination. During the procedure, it is normal to feel a slight pressure or vibration from the transducer. This is not at all painful. The room lights are sometimes dimmed to reduce glare and to see the images better on the screen. Changes in the position of the body are sometimes necessary in order to get better pictures.
Diagnostic ultrasound has proven very safe over years of widespread clinical use and there are no harmful effects whatsoever associated with it.
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How Long does an Examination Take?
Ultrasound examinations are performed by trained specialists. The examination times vary from a few minutes to an hour depending on the diagnostic information required.
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When are the Results of the Examination Available?
The examining physicians will see the results of the examination on the monitor screen during the actual examination. However, in many cases it is necessary to obtain more precise measurements from the video tape recordings before patients get the final diagnosis. If the patient has had any previous examinations, the results will be compared with these and the physicians will analyze any differences.
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Why is a Contrast Medium Used in Ultrasound?
Sometimes an ultrasound examination does not provide sufficient information for a conclusive diagnosis. In these cases, the physician might use a contrast medium to improve the ultrasound images and help provide a more accurate diagnosis.
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Do Ultrasound Contrast Media have any Side-Effects?
Most patients do not feel any side-effects although occasionally a mild feeling of warmth or cold discomfort is felt where the contrast medium is injected. Other symptoms such as the sensation of taste, breathlessness, changes in pulse or blood-pressure are extremely rare.
In any case, it is important that the patient tells the examining physician of any discomfort or changes in their well-being as a possible result of the contrast medium being administered.
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When Should a Contrast Medium not be Used?
The examining physician should be told of any of the following conditions:
pregnancy
breast-feeding
a weak heart
high blood galactose levels (galactosemia)
If you have any questions, your physician or the ultrasound department at your hospital will be happy to discuss them with you.
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