Ultrasounds are a widely used diagnostic process in modern healthcare. It offers a safe, painless, and effective way for the doctors to look inside the body.

This noninvasive imaging test uses high-intensity sound waves to create detailed images of our body’s internal structures. Ultrasounds helps healthcare providers during pregnancy, diagnosing medical conditions, and guiding certain procedures with precision.

What is an Ultrasound (USG)?

Ultrasound, also known as sonography or ultrasonography, is a noninvasive imaging test that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce real-time pictures or videos of the body’s internal structures.

These images, called sonograms, provide a detailed view of soft tissues like internal organs and blood vessels.

Unlike X-rays, ultrasounds don’t use radiation, so they are a safer option for imaging.

This technique allows healthcare providers to see inside your body without making any incisions or invasive procedures.

Types of Ultrasounds

  1. Abdominal Ultrasound: Examines body’ midsection (belly) to identify causes of abdominal pain and issues in organs like the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.
  2. Kidney (Renal) Ultrasound: Assesses the size, shape, and location of kidneys, ureters, and bladder. Detects cysts, tumors, infections, or obstructions in the urinary system.
  3. Breast Ultrasound: Identifies breast lumps or cysts, often recommended after an abnormal mammogram. Useful for early breast cancer detection.
  4. Pelvic Ultrasound: Evaluates pelvic organs such as the bladder, ovaries, uterus, prostate, and rectum. Commonly used to investigate reproductive health or urinary issues.
  5. Transvaginal Ultrasound (TV Ultrasound): Involves inserting a probe into the vaginal canal for detailed imaging of reproductive tissues like the uterus or ovaries. Often used for pelvic conditions and early pregnancy monitoring.
  6. Obstetric Ultrasound (OB Ultrasound): Monitors fetal development during pregnancy. Confirms pregnancy, estimates gestational age, tracks fetal growth and heart rate, and checks for congenital conditions.
  7. 3D Ultrasound: Provides detailed three-dimensional images, enhancing fetal imaging and identifying potential birth defects.
  8. Doppler Ultrasound: Assesses blood flow through arteries and veins. Used to detect blockages or clots and monitor blood flow to the fetus during pregnancy.
  9. Thyroid Ultrasound: Examines the thyroid gland to measure size and identify nodules or lesions, aiding in thyroid disorder diagnosis.
  10. Transrectal Ultrasound: A probe is inserted into the rectum to evaluate nearby tissues, such as the prostate gland. Useful for diagnosing prostate conditions.
  11. USG KUB (Kidneys, Ureter, and Bladder): Focuses on the urinary tract to detect stones, obstructions, or other issues affecting the kidneys, ureters, or bladder.
  12. Endoscopic Ultrasound: Combines endoscopy and ultrasound to provide detailed images of the digestive tract. Often used to diagnose gastrointestinal conditions or guide biopsies.

What is the Difference Between a 2D, 3D, and 4D Ultrasound?

2D Ultrasound

Produces flat, two-dimensional images showing outlines of the internal organs. This is the standard ultrasound used for medical assessments.

3D Ultrasound

Creates three-dimensional images with a detailed view of the fetus’s external features such as the face, fingers, or toes. 3D ultrasounds are mostly used for pregnancy and baby’s overall development inside the mother’s womb. They are used in some non-pregnancy cases, such as uterine polyps and fibroids.

4D Ultrasound

This is  the most advanced USG technology that adds a time dimension to 3D imaging, creating a “live” motion picture of the fetus. This shows movements like facial expressions in real time. Currently, Nireekshan Diagnostics uses this technology. 

Preparing for an Ultrasound

  1. For Pelvic Ultrasounds (Including Pregnancy Scans): You may need to drink water beforehand to fill your bladder. A full bladder helps produce clearer images of the pelvic area or urinary system.
  2. Abdominal Ultrasounds: You might be asked to fast (avoid eating or drinking anything except water) for several hours before the test. This reduces interference from gas in the stomach or intestines.
  3. Other Ultrasounds: Most other types of ultrasounds, like breast or thyroid scans, require no special preparation.

Your healthcare provider will provide specific instructions based on the type of ultrasound. 

What to Expect During the Procedure

  • Ultrasound scans typically take 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the examination type.
  • A gel will be applied to your skin to help the transducer (a microphone-like tool) send sound waves into your body.
  • After the scan, you’ll be given paper towels to wipe off the gel before getting dressed.
  • The sonographer usually sends the results to your doctor or hands them to you. 

What Conditions Can Be Detected by Ultrasound?

  • Abnormal growths like tumors or cancer in organs and soft tissues
  • Identifying blockages in blood vessels
  • Enlarged spleen
  • Ectopic pregnancy
  • Gallstones
  • Aortic aneurysm (a bulge or weakening in the wall of the aorta, the body’s largest artery) 
  • Kidney or bladder stones
  • Cholecystitis
  • Varicocele

Ultrasounds play a vital role in modern diagnostics, offering a safe, non-invasive, and highly effective way to assess and monitor various health conditions. 

At Nireekshan Diagnostics, we use advanced 4D USG technology to ensure you receive the best care possible. If your doctor has prescribed an ultrasound, book your appointment today.