CDI Miami | Wednesday April 17, 2019

How To Prepare For An Ultrasound?

How To Prepare For An Ultrasound

 

Ultrasound is an imaging technique; it uses sound waves higher than the normal human audible range to get pictures of internal organs of the body. Ultrasounds are safe; there is no use of radiation instead high-frequency sound waves are used which goes in the body and echoes back. It is used to see liver, heart, kidney, abdomen area, ultrasound is beneficial to see the growth of the fetus and it doesn’t harm the fetus.
 
Ultrasound at diagnostic medical imaging Miami is a beneficial tool to detect swelling and infection in the internal parts of the body. Ultrasound waves have the ability to pass through fluids and soft tissues but the bounce back on denser surfaces, e.g. when having an ultrasound of kidneys, they bounce back when they will get in touch with kidney stones.
 
During this, a transducer, which is a handheld device receives the echoes and sends them to the computer where the images can be seen. Different transducers are used on different organs to get a clear picture of the organ.
 
Sound waves of 2-18 MHz are used.
 
How ultrasounds capture images?
 
High-frequency sound waves are used to get a picture of internal body parts.
 
It travels through gallbladder and will only echoes back if it will hit a gallbladder stone.
 
If you are having an ultrasound of the heart then it will bounce back if it hits a valve.
 
Denser the object, more will ultrasound bounce back.
 
Things to keep in mind before going for an ultrasound
 
Mostly ultrasounds do not require any advanced preparation but there are some exceptions.
 
If you are having an ultrasound of abdomen then it is advised to not eat or drink anything eight hours before the exam. Eating something will contract the stomach and creates gas which makes it hard to get a picture of the internal organs. For children, it is advised to not drink or something four hours before the exam. If you take insulin, then you can take it as you normally do.
 
If you are having Pelvic ultrasound then you can eat normally. You will be asked to drink 4-5 glasses of water one hour before the exam and you are required to not empty your bladder before the exam.
 
For bladder ultrasound, you will be asked to drink 32 ounces of water one hour prior to the exam.
 
Before a transvaginal ultrasound, you are required to drink a significant amount of liquid so that you arrive with a full bladder for the exam.
 
Conclusion
 
It is a noninvasive exam which is used to detect various diseases in the internal organs of the body. Center for diagnostic imaging Miami advises to keeping above points in mind while arriving for an ultrasound. The sonographer is responsible to take the images but they are interpreted by a radiologist or a physician. It generally takes not more than 30 minutes. If you are experiencing any pain or swelling or a lump it is advised to go to a physician and he will recommend an imaging test based on your condition.