Ultrasound scan

An ultrasound scan is a procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of part of the inside of the body. Ultrasound scan is most often used to examine the heart or an unborn baby in the womb. It can also be used to examine the liver, kidneys and other organs in the tummy and pelvis, as well as other organs or tissues that can be assessed through the skin, such as muscles and joints.

A small device called an ultrasound probe is used, which gives off high-frequency sound waves. You can't hear these sound waves, but when they bounce off different parts of the body, they create "echoes" that are picked up by the probe and turned into a moving image. This image is displayed on a monitor while the scan i carried out.

Before having some types of ultrasound scan, you may be asked to follow certain instructions to help improve the quality of the images produced. Most ultrasound scans last between 15 and 45 minutes. They usually take place in a hospital radiology department and are performed either by a doctor, radiographer or a sonographer.

They can also be carried out in community locations such as GP practices, and may be performed by other healthcare professionals, such as midwives or physiotherapists who have been specially trained in ultrasound. There are different kinds of ultrasound scans, depending on which part of the body is being scanned and why.

An external ultrasound scan is most often used to examine the heart or an unborn baby in the womb. It can also be used to examine the liver, kidneys and other organs in the tummy and pelvis, as well as other organs or tissues that can be assessed through the skin, such as muscles and joints.

A small handheld probe is placed on your skin and moved over the part of your body being examined.

A lubricating gel is put on your skin to allow the probe to move smoothly. This also ensures there's continuous contact between the probe and the skin.

You shouldn't feel anything other than the sensor and gel on your skin.

You may be told the results of your scan soon after it's been carried out, but in most cases the images will need to be analysed and a report will be sent to the doctor who referred you for the scan. They'll discuss the results with you a few days later or at your next appointment.

Canlit Clinic
(Rev. Canlit Memorial Medical Clinic)
Kitgum Municipality, Uganda
Last modified on Wednesday, 22-Feb-2023 06:24:49 CET
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