Admin_NHT Staff asked 6 years ago Definition: This is a non-invasive imaging technique that utilizes high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the internal organs of the body.
Procedure:
The patient is asked to abstain from food rich in fat for 8-12 hours if the gall bladder, liver, pancreas or spleen is being imaged. If the abdomen is being imaged, then he must undergo fasting for the same duration.
Usually, he is asked to lie down in an appropriate position based on the organ that is to be imaged.
An ultrasound technician then applies a lubricating jelly on the region of interest to reduce the friction during the procedure and to transmit the sound waves.
The transducer is a device that transmits high-frequency sound waves into the body. This echoes on reaching the bones or organs and gets reflected.
These reflected waves are received by the computer and are converted into a picture.
The entire process takes about 30 minutes and the patient is asked to change positions to get a clearer image. This image is then interpreted by the doctor.
When is it done? :
In pregnancies to get an image of the unborn child.
To view the internal organs especially when the doctor believes that the pain is associated with some internal organ damage.
To guide surgeons during certain surgeries.