Ultrasound is an examination method to determine the cause of complaints experienced by patients. In addition to diagnostic purposes, this examination can also be done to monitor fetal development and routine screening to detect certain diseases early.
Ultrasound or ultrasound is a scanning technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images or images of the condition of organs or tissues in the patient’s body.
Ultrasound examination is often performed for various purposes because it is considered effective and accurate, and is considered to have minimal side effects.
Conditions Requiring Ultrasound Diagnosis
Generally, ultrasound uses a device called a transducer to emit high-frequency sound waves. The use of the transducer itself can be adjusted to the needs of the diagnosis, some are attached to the skin and some are inserted into the body.
Technological developments make ultrasound imaging results not only more accurate but also can be used for more specific purposes. The following are several types of ultrasound and their intended use:
1. Transrectal ultrasound or through the anus, to find out problems related to the prostate
2. Transvaginal ultrasound, to get an image of the uterus and ovaries
3. Echocardiogram, to get a picture of the condition of the heart
4. Doppler ultrasound, to determine the condition of blood circulation in the blood vessels and monitor the heart rate of the fetus
5. Ultrasound of the abdomen, to get a picture of the condition of the abdominal tissue and the organs in it
6. Renal ultrasound, to monitor the structures and tissues around the kidneys
7. Breast ultrasound, to get a picture of breast tissue
8. Ultrasound of the eye, to examine the structure of the eye
In addition, ultrasound is also commonly used to monitor fetal development in pregnant women, as well as monitor the structure of the skull, brain, and tissues inside the baby’s head. Ultrasound can also guide the collection of body tissue samples with a biopsy technique.
Preparation and Procedure for Ultrasound Examination
In undergoing an ultrasound examination, there are several things you need to know, including:
Preparation before ultrasound
Generally, your doctor will ask you to fast for 8-12 hours before the ultrasound, especially if the examination is done in the abdomen. This is because undigested food can block sound waves, resulting in inaccurate images.
For ultrasounds performed on certain internal organs, such as the gallbladder, you will be asked not to eat and drink other than water for 6–8 hours before the examination. This is necessary so that the gallbladder does not shrink in size.
Meanwhile, for pregnant women who want to check the condition of their fetus, doctors usually recommend that you drink at least 4-6 glasses of water about 1-2 hours before the ultrasound. The goal is to fill the bladder, thereby improving image quality.
Through ultrasound, doctors can also determine the sex of the fetus. Usually, the sex of the fetus can be known through ultrasound at least at 18 weeks of gestation. So, pregnant women do not need to believe the myths about conceiving a baby boy or girl, yes.
Ultrasound examination procedure
Before the ultrasound examination begins, you will usually be asked to lie on your back. Next, the doctor will apply a special gel to prevent friction between the skin and the transducer. The gel also serves to facilitate the delivery of sound waves into the body.
During an ultrasound examination, the transducer will be moved around the part of the body to be examined. This movement is needed so that the sound waves that are sent are able to bounce back and produce a good image.
During the ultrasound, the doctor will ask you to change positions. This is done to improve the quality of the images obtained. After the ultrasound is complete, the doctor will clean the gel that was applied.
After the ultrasound results are obtained, the doctor will evaluate and explain the results to you. The doctor will also make a report about the results of the ultrasound examination.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Ultrasound
Ultrasound can be done in a clinic or hospital. The procedure itself usually takes about 30–60 minutes. There are no restrictions after having an ultrasound, so you can carry out your activities as usual.
Ultrasound also has some advantages and disadvantages. The following are some of the advantages of ultrasound:
1. No pain
2. No needles, injections or incisions required
3. Does not use radiation so it is considered safer
4. Can detect various problems in body tissues, blood vessels, and organs
5. Widely accessible and cheaper
As for the drawbacks, ultrasound uses ultrasonic energy that has the potential to produce biological effects on the body, such as heating tissues and producing tiny gas pockets in body fluids or tissues.
However, if carried out by health care providers and medical personnel carefully, the possibility of these side effects can be minimized.
Although ultrasound examination has minimal risks, this procedure still has limitations. Sound waves from ultrasound are unable to penetrate organs or tissues protected by bone, such as the lungs and brain.
For parts that are blocked by bone, the doctor will perform other examination methods, such as CT scans, MRIs, or X-rays.
If you have an injury or have complaints of certain health problems, consult a doctor. The doctor will examine your condition and perform an ultrasound procedure if necessary.