What Does an Ultrasound Diagnose?

Whether it's assessing blood flow with Doppler ultrasound or examining reproductive organs through transvaginal or pelvic ultrasounds, this non-radiative imaging method plays a crucial role in detecting and monitoring various health conditions.

Ultrasound, or sonography, is a noninvasive imaging technique that utilises high-frequency sound waves to generate real-time images or videos of internal organs and soft tissues, including blood vessels. The resulting image is known as a sonogram. This method allows healthcare providers to examine soft tissues inside the body without the need for incisions, and unlike X-rays, an ultrasound test does not involve radiation. Ultrasound is widely used to assess various parts of the body and in a variety of medical scenarios. Continue reading to explore its many applications as a diagnostic tool.

How Does an Ultrasound Work?

While performing an ultrasound, a healthcare provider uses a device known as a probe or transducer, which is moved over the skin or inside a body opening. A thin layer of gel is applied to enhance the transmission of sound waves from the probe into the body. The probe converts electrical currents into high-frequency sound waves and sends them into your body. These sound waves are inaudible. As they bounce off structures inside your body, the probe picks them up and converts them into electrical signals. A computer processes these signals into real-time images or videos, which are displayed on a nearby screen.

What Does an Ultrasound Diagnose?

An ultrasound is a diagnostic imaging tool that healthcare providers use to view the internal structures of the body. It helps in diagnosing a variety of conditions by allowing the provider to see what's going on inside the body and pinpoint issues that may be causing symptoms like unexplained pain, abnormal blood test results, or masses (lumps). The type of ultrasound used will depend on the specifics of the situation or the symptoms you're experiencing. Here are examples of different types of diagnostic ultrasounds and what they can diagnose:

• Abdominal Ultrasound: This ultrasound is done on your abdomen (midsection) and is typically used to diagnose many different causes of abdominal pain. Conditions such as liver disease, gallstones, kidney issues, or other abdominal abnormalities can be detected with this type of ultrasound.
• Kidney (Renal) Ultrasound: This ultrasound is used to assess the shape, size, and location of your kidneys and related structures, like your bladder and ureters. It can detect conditions like tumours, obstructions, cysts, or infections that may be within or around your kidneys.
• Breast Ultrasound: This ultrasound, often recommended when a mammogram shows an abnormal result, helps identify breast lumps or cysts. It's used to get more information about any lumps or suspicious areas in the breast and can help determine whether they are solid or filled with fluid.
• Doppler Ultrasound: This ultrasound helps assess the movement of materials, such as blood, through your body. It can evaluate blood flow through arteries and veins, making it useful in detecting issues such as blood clots, blockages, or abnormal blood flow.
• Pelvic Ultrasound: This ultrasound is used to examine the organs in your pelvic region, like the prostate, bladder, rectum, uterus, ovaries, and vagina. It helps in diagnosing a wide range of issues, such as tumours, cysts, or infections in these organs.
• Transvaginal Ultrasound: This ultrasound is performed for a more detailed view of the reproductive organs. The provider inserts a small probe into your vaginal canal to get a closer look at tissues like the uterus or ovaries.
• Thyroid Ultrasound: This ultrasound is used to examine the thyroid and can be used to measure its size and detect any abnormalities, such as nodules or lesions. It helps assess if there are any thyroid issues, such as growths or enlargement.
• Transrectal Ultrasound: For men, this ultrasound involves inserting a probe into the rectum to examine nearby tissues, like the prostate. It helps detect prostate issues, such as abnormalities or enlargement, and may also be used for a more detailed view of the rectum.

An ultrasound is a versatile and essential diagnostic tool that provides healthcare providers with detailed insights into the body's internal structures without the need for invasive procedures. By utilising sound waves to create real-time images, ultrasound helps diagnose a wide range of conditions, from abdominal pain and kidney issues to breast lumps, thyroid abnormalities, and more. Its non-invasive nature and ability to deliver accurate results make ultrasound a valuable tool in modern medicine, aiding in timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment. With the convenience of booking an appointment for an ultrasound online through diagnostic labs like Apollo 24|7, this diagnostic tool is more accessible than ever.