Ultrasound Near Me
Whether you’re having a baby or just trying to find the root cause of some new symptoms- an ultrasound can be a safe and effective way for doctors to help diagnose, treat, and monitor your overall wellness. Unlike an x-ray, an ultrasound does not emit any harmful radiation, making it a great choice for individuals who may be considered “high risk.”
Are you interested in finding an ultrasound technician near you? Simply browse ultrasound near me on the map below and find a list of facilities offering ultrasounds in your local area. Looking for more information on ultrasounds? Read on for trivia, facts and more. You’ll go to your next ultrasound feeling fully prepared for what comes next.
Ultrasound Near Me – Find it on the Map
Ultrasound Near Me – Trivia
Why are ultrasounds used?
Ultrasounds can be used for a variety of reasons- some of which you may not even be aware of. Why are ultrasounds used instead of other imaging techniques? Ultrasounds are commonly used to diagnose, treat, and guide doctors during procedures such as biopsies. They can be used to examine the internal organs such as the liver and kidneys, the pancreas, the testes, and the ovaries, amongst many others. Unlike many imaging techniques, an ultrasound scan can reveal whether a lump is a tumor, how a baby is developing, or why someone may be suffering from joint issues. Since ultrasounds are seen as being very safe and non-invasive– most issues can be seen through the use of an ultrasound. As you search ultrasound near me, consider how an ultrasound may benefit you.
An example of a pregnancy ultrasound.
How do ultrasounds work?
While you search ultrasound near me- you’ll come across a wide breadth of imaging techniques. While all can be valuable in diagnosing and treating illnesses, an ultrasound is a bit different from an x-ray or an MRI. Unlike other common imaging procedures, an ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create images inside of the body. Because sound waves or echoes are used to make an image- there is no radiation. Because of this, ultrasounds are safe for pregnant women or those who cannot tolerate radiation scans. Most commonly, ultrasound scans are used to evaluate fetal development, though they can also detect problems in adults. Issues in the liver, heart, kidney, or abdomen can all be viewed on an ultrasound. Additionally, ultrasounds are extremely useful in performing certain types of biopsies for cancer.
Who performs ultrasounds?
While ultrasounds do fall under the umbrella of radiology- those who perform an ultrasound are known as sonographers. Though a sonographer is the norm when interpreting ultrasound images, many images can also be interpreted by radiologists, cardiologists, and other types of specialists. When performing an ultrasound, a sonographer will hold a transducer. This is a handheld device that looks a lot like a wand. Its placed directly onto the skin of the area that is being scanned. An ultrasound is simply a sound that travels through the fluids and soft tissue of the body. The sound bounces back or echoes, thus creating an image. As you search ultrasound near me, consider just how amazing the process of an ultrasound truly is.
Ultrasound Near Me – Facts
What happens during an ultrasound?
Needing an ultrasound can be intimidating to many folks- especially if you’re not seeing an sonographer due to pregnancy or another positive hallmark in life. As you search ultrasound near me, consider what happens during an ultrasound. Being prepared may help ease some of your anxieties over the procedure itself.
Prior to the ultrasound exam, you’ll likely be asked to change into a hospital gown. This isn’t always the norm and largely depends on the type of ultrasound you’re having done. For example, a transvaginal ultrasound will only require you to undress from the waist down. After undressing, you’ll down on a table with a small section of your body exposed for the test.
Once you’re ready, a sonographer will apply a lubricating jelly to the skin. While it can be quite chilly, many offices will warm the jelly first, thus easing a bit of the discomfort. The jelly works to prevent friction so that the sonographer can rub the transducer onto the skin. The transducer looks similar to a wand or a microphone and is nothing to fear. In addition to reducing friction, the jelly can also help transmit sound waves, making for a clearer picture.
As the actual ultrasound is performed, the transducer will send out high frequency sound waves through the body. The waves will echo as they come into contact with dense objects such as organs or bones. Those echoes are then reflected back to the computer. You won’t hear the sound waves as the test is performed, they are far too high pitched for any human ear to detect. Because of this, they are able to form a picture that will then be interpreted by the doctor. Don’t count on your sonographer to diagnose or give you too much information. While they can read the ultrasound pictures, it will be up to your doctor to relate your ultrasound findings.
Depending on what area of the body is being examined, you may need to flip over or change positions. This is especially true when having the kidneys examined. After the sonographer has completed the ultrasound, the gel will be wiped off and you’ll be sent on your way. The whole procedure will typically last less than 30 minutes. Since an ultrasound is completely safe and non-invasive you can resume all of your normal activities after the testing has finished.
