An ultrasound is a diagnostic procedure that can be used to detect a wide range of concerns, from cardiovascular issues such as narrowed blood vessels, to tissue abnormalities such as tumors and cysts. Ultrasound technology is perhaps most well-known for its prevalence in determining the health of the developing fetus and tracking its gestational health. It is also one of the safest forms of diagnostic tests as there is no radiation used; sound is used in the same ways bats use sound to detect objects with echolocation. Ultrasound waves bounce off of the soft tissue, and these signal disturbances return an image of the targeted area.

An ultrasound can detect a wide range of abnormalities, and can be used to analyze the following areas:

– Bladder
– Brain (in infants)
– Eyes
– Gallbladder
– Kidneys
– Liver
– Ovaries
– Pancreas
– Spleen
– Thyroid
– Testicles
– Uterus
– Reproductive organs
– Muscles, joints and tendons
– Heart and blood vessels

Ultrasound can help with the diagnosis of:

– Infections
– Cardiovascular issues
– Tumors and cysts
– Uterine fibroids
– Thyroid conditions

Before the exam, you may be asked to change into a hospital gown or similar garment; this will help the provider to easily perform the test, as tight-fitting clothing can impede upon the procedure. In most cases, you will likely be lying down on a table with a section of your body, such as your abdomen, chest or leg, exposed for the test.

An ultrasound technician, also known as a sonographer, will apply a special lubricating jelly to your skin that will prevent friction between the ultrasound transducer and your skin. The equipment used to emit the signal, known as a transducer, has a similar appearance to a microphone. An added benefit of the jelly is that it also helps transmit sound waves.

Depending on the area being examined, you may be asked to change positions so the technician can have better access to the underlying tissues.

After the procedure, the gel will be cleaned off of your skin and you will be able to change out of the gown. The whole procedure typically lasts less than 30 minutes, although this depends on the area being examined, as well as the difficulty of locating the area in question. There are no side effects and minimal to no risks with ultrasound, so you can continue your day-to-day routine immediately after the appointment.

There are many reasons why a doctor would request an ultrasound, including to diagnose issues in a non-invasive way. One thing that makes ultrasound technology special is the fact that it is very good at inspecting underlying soft tissues, versus x-rays, which can only properly detect hard tissues like bones. You do not need invasive or even minimally invasive diagnostic tools to determine the cause of a problem; a diagnosis can be formulated from the information it collects, without ever piercing the skin. It may also be used to biopsy tissue more effectively, as well as to reduce healthcare costs, as ultrasound is much more cost-effective than other diagnostic procedures. Come to Personal Physician Care for all of your ultrasound needs! Call us today to book an appointment for ultrasound services. We serve patients from Delray Beach FL, Boca Raton FL, Boynton Beach FL, Sun Valley FL, High Point FL, and surrounding areas.