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What is Ultrasound?
Ultrasound imaging is a method of producing images of the body through the use of high frequency sound waves which reflect off different tissues in the body and return to the machine where they are recorded and displayed as real time images. No radiation is involved in ultrasound imaging.
What are some common uses of Ultrasound Imaging?
Ultrasound imaging is used extensively for evaluating abdominal and pelvic solid and fluid filled organs, the heart and blood vessels and can help in determining the source of pain or swelling in many parts of the body. Ultrasound can assess superficial structures such as tendons and ligaments around the ankle and shoulder. It also may be used to guide biopsies within the breast or thyroid gland and other parts of the body.
Obstetric ultrasound is performed when clinically appropriate. Indications include establishment of fetal age, to screen for congenital abnormalities, to evaluate for multiple pregnancy, to assess position of fetus and placenta and to measure growth and fetal wellbeing.
Doppler ultrasound is used to examine blood flow and can assist in evaluating blockages to blood flow such as clots in veins or narrowing in arteries due to atherosclerotic plaque build up.
How should I prepare for the procedure?
You will be told of any necessary preparation when you ring to book your appointment as it depends on the type of examination your doctor has requested. Some scans may require you to not eat or drink, for others you may be asked to drink water and arrive with a full bladder at the time of the examination.
What will I experience during the procedure?
Usually you will lie on an examining table. The sonographer (technologist) or radiologist will apply warm gel to the skin and press the transducer firmly against the skin, moving it until the desired images are captured. You should not experience any significant discomfort during the procedure.
What are the benefits and risks?
Ultrasound imaging is painless, produces no radiation and is the preferred imaging modality for diagnosis and monitoring in pregnancy. It is a useful tool for guiding invasive procedures such as needle biopsies.
For standard diagnostic ultrasound there are no known harmful effects to humans including unborn babies.
What are the limitations of Ultrasound Imaging?
Ultrasound waves do not reflect clearly from bone to air and bone is therefore better assessed with other imaging modalities. Ultrasound also cannot be used to routinely assess areas of the body that may be filled with air such as lungs or the gastrointestinal tract.
What is special about the Ultrasound service at Auckland Radiology Group?
We are extremely proud of our fully accredited facilities which offer imaging with ultrasound at 14 different sites. We have top of the line equipment and a dedicated staff of sonographers and radiologists who will complete your study with care and attention. As ultrasound examinations are highly dependent on the skill of the operator, sonographers and radiologists have extensive ultrasound training and a commitment to continuing medical education in this area.
Where can I find out more about Ultrasound Imaging?
The InsideRadiology website provides consumers (patients, carers, potential users of radiology) and referrers (general practitioners, specialists and other health professionals) with accurate, up to date information about radiology procedures and interventions that is easy to use and understand.
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