An ultrasound scan uses high frequency sound waves to examine various structures in the body including solid organs and blood vessels. The high frequency sound waves are produced by ultrasound transducers that are usually placed on the skin. Sometimes in order to optimise the image quality, the transducer may be placed inside the body via the vagina or the rectum. 'Live' or real-times images of your internal structures are then produced by the ultrasound machine.
An ultrasound scan may include, but not limited to, the visualisation of the following:
Bladder, blood vessels, gallbladder, kidneys, liver, muscle, ovaries, pancreas, prostate, spleen, testes, thyroid, uterus.
An ultrasound radiographer, also known as a sonographer, will apply ultrasound gel to your skin. The gel acts as a lubricant to reduce friction, so that the transducer can glide on the skin smoothly. The gel also helps to transmit the sound waves into the body, which then forms high quality images that can be interpreted by the doctor.
Depending on the area being examined, you may need to change positions or postures so that the radiographer can have better access.
