What is an ultrasound? Which parts of the body can it examine?

What is an ultrasound?

Ultrasound is another method that helps doctors diagnose diseases to treat patients, and it can be used to examine various parts of the body. One of the most common uses is for checking the pregnancy status of expectant mothers. 

However, many people may not know how this technique differs from other types of medical examinations, whether it is necessary to choose this method, and whether it is better or could have adverse effects on the body. Let's start by understanding this more clearly.

Important facts about ultrasound:


What is an Ultrasound

What is an Ultrasound

Ultrasound, also known as sonography, is a medical imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images or videos of internal organs or soft tissues, such as blood vessels. This method allows visualization of the internal structures of the body.

High-intensity sound waves are designed for various purposes, such as monitoring pregnancy development, assessing the function of internal organs, and examining lumps or tumors.


Ultrasound is non-invasive and does not use X-rays. While it is commonly associated with pregnancy scans, it can actually be used to examine many different parts of the body. 

How many types of ultrasounds?

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2D Ultrasound

This type displays cross-sectional images of the body in a flat, two-dimensional plane, showing width and length. The result is a black-and-white shadow-like image, often used for basic diagnostic purposes.

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3D Ultrasound

This type provides images with width, height, and depth by capturing reflected sound waves and processing them through computer software. The resulting images are more detailed and lifelike compared to 2D ultrasound, allowing for better visualization of structures.

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4D Ultrasound

It is similar to 3D ultrasound, but with more advanced processing that creates real-time, moving images. It shows detailed, lifelike motion, making it increasingly popular for medical use, especially in observing the development of a fetus.

Pregnancy ultrasound


How an ultrasound machine works?

An ultrasound machine operates by using a device called a transducer or probe, which is passed over a specific area of your body or inserted into an open body cavity, such as the vagina or rectum.

How an ultrasound machine works?

A thin layer of gel is applied to your skin to ensure that the ultrasound waves are transmitted from the transducer through the gel and into your body. The probe then converts electrical currents into high-frequency sound waves and sends these waves into your body tissues.

The sound waves will go through your internal structures, is reflected back to the probe, which converts them into electrical signals.


These electrical signals are
then processed by a computer,
which transforms the patterns into
real-time images or videos that are
displayed on a computer screen

Why is ultrasound necessary in medicine?

Ultrasound is painless, does not require radiation, does not require injections, and does not require surgery. It is safe and can also capture images of soft tissues clearly. More importantly, it is affordable. It is often used for the following purposes:

Diagnostic Purpose

Diagnostic Purpose:

Ultrasound is used to examine various organs to detect abnormalities, including the eyes, blood vessels, liver, gallbladder, thyroid gland, uterus, ovaries, as well as other tissues and cells.

This method provides detailed diagnostic results, allowing for more accurate and in-depth health analysis, particularly in identifying surface abnormalities. It is especially useful for detecting conditions like cleft lip and palate in pregnant women. In some cases, the probe may need to be inserted into the body, such as through the vagina or rectum, to obtain clear images.

Medical Procedure Purpose

Medical Procedure Purpose:

Beyond diagnostics, ultrasound is also used in various medical procedures. For example, it can guide surgeons by providing real-time images of tissues during surgery, enhancing visibility of the organs. Additionally, it can be used to assess and treat soft tissue injuries.

Ultrasound Upper Abdomen

Ultrasound Upper Abdomen

Ultrasound of the upper abdomen is used to screen for diseases related to the liver, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, gallbladder, and bile ducts. It helps detect any masses or abnormalities in these organs.

Before the procedure, patients should fast for 4-6 hours, avoiding fatty foods and drinks, to prevent the gallbladder from contracting, which might obscure the ultrasound image.

Ultrasound Lower Abdomen

Ultrasound Lower Abdomen

This ultrasound examines the lower abdominal area, including the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, prostate, bladder, appendix, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, and inflamed appendix.

It can be performed externally or through the vaginal route, with the latter providing clearer images.

Obstetric ultrasound

Obstetrics

Obstetric ultrasound is used during pregnancy to calculate the due date, detect multiple pregnancies, diagnose ectopic pregnancies, and check fetal health. It also screens for congenital disabilities, checks amniotic fluid levels, and assesses the placenta's position.

It can determine the gestational age, recognize the fetus’s movement and heart rate. 4D examination will be more suitable. Private hospitals or clinics will have 4D services that are more affordable and meet a wider range of needs.

Ultrasound KUB system

Ultrasound KUB system

Ultrasound KUB system is used for screening bladder cancer and can detect it at an early stage. It is commonly performed on patients with symptoms such as kidney failure, kidney stones, blood in the urine, or bladder inflammation.

For optimal results, the examination is usually conducted when the patient has a full bladder, as this provides a clearer view of the bladder and its contents.

Ultrasound Breasts

Ultrasound Breasts

Ultrasound Breasts is popular for screening breast cancer for immediate treatment. In general, clinics offer breast cancer screening programs at a very affordable price.

This is to allow women to access the service at an affordable price without having to waste time queuing for examination at government hospitals.

Ultrasound of thyroid

Because the thyroid gland is important in stimulating the functioning of various organs such as controlling the metabolism, muscle function, including controlling body temperature, skin, hair and nail strength.

If there are symptoms such as fatigue, weight swings, body or face swelling, frequent cramps, hand tremors, heart palpitations, neck swelling, increased bowel movements, sweating a lot, an ultrasound may be required to find the cause.

Other ultrasound

In addition to the above internal examinations, it can also be used to examine other parts of the body, such as examining the head of newborns up to 1 year old, examining abnormal lumps, Doppler ultrasound, and Guided Aspiration Procedure, etc.


Is it safe to undergo an ultrasound?

Research to date indicates that ultrasound technology is generally safe and does not have harmful side effects, as it does not use radiation unlike other medical imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans. Therefore, it is a good method for diagnosing various conditions.

However, it is important that all ultrasound procedures be performed by trained professionals who are skilled in using this specialized technology safely.

Is ultrasound safe?

Ultrasound is highly important in medicine for various purposes. It is essential for screening and diagnosing different diseases and conditions. Additionally, it provides pregnant women with the ability to see their baby’s face and movements while still in the womb.


Intouch Medicare Clinic offers
2D and 4D ultrasound services for pregnancy.
Our clinic is staffed with specialized
medical experts who provide
comprehensive guidance and advice

For those interested, you can choose to use our services at any nearby branch by searching for us on Google with "clinic near me" or by contacting us through the communication channels available on our website.

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Compiled by intouchmedicare Clinic
  Last Update : 10/09/2024
  Usage Permission: Images may be used without permission strictly for educational or informational purposes, provided that credit is given, or the source is cited as intouchmedicare.com

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