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Ultrasound Scan in Waco, Tx
An ultrasound scan is a type of medical non-invasive imaging test that uses high-frequency sound waves to capture the live image inside the human body. An alternative, ultrasound is also known as sonography and ultrasonography.
The image captured in ultrasound is called a sonogram. And performing an ultrasound helps the healthcare provider to see all the ongoing details of the soft tissues, vessels, and organs inside the patient’s body without making any incisions. Plus, it does not harm the body with radiation like in X-rays.
Now whenever people talk about ultrasound, they link it to pregnancy. Although it does use for that purpose, it isn’t limited to pregnancy only. There are various other uses of ultrasound, and it captures several different inside parts of the human body. The technology used in ultrasound is quite similar to the one used in sonar and radar, in military services for planes and ship detection.
Why is an ultrasound Scan performed?
As we mentioned above, people always relate ultrasound with pregnancy. In pregnancy, the ultrasound scan helps the healthcare provider scan the first view of the unborn child or fetus inside the mother’s body.
But ultrasound is performed for many other purposes, such as if the patient is experiencing pain, swelling, or any other symptom that shows signs of internal problems of the body’s organs. Then, the doctors can perform an ultrasound to capture the view of the bladder, gallbladder, kidneys, liver, eyes, spleen, pancreas, brains (in infants), and ovaries.
How ultrasound do scans work?
During an ultrasound scan, the doctor passes an ultrasound probe, which gives high-frequency sound waves, over a particular area of the body or inside a body opening.
The doctor applies a thin gel layer to the patient’s skin so the ultrasound waves can be transmitted from the transducer into the body.
The ultrasound probe converts the electric current into high-frequency sound waves and sends it inside the body’s tissue. The sound waves that go inside bounce back to the probe, which is later converted into electrical signals.
And this electric signal is then transferred to the computer, which converts it into a real-time video picture and displays it on its screen.
How does it capture an image?
The image is captured in ultrasound scan with the help of a probe placed on the skin surface or inside a body opening. After this, a thin gel layer is applied to the skin to help the probe transmit the ultrasound waves into the body.
The image is produced by the reflection of waves off the body’s surface. The amplitude of the sound waves and the time duration of waves travel through the human body give out all the required information needed to produce the image.
Uses of ultrasound Scan in Waco, Tx
Ultrasound scan is used for various medical purposes. It is relatively very fast than CT and MRI scans. The uses of ultrasound are as follows:
Monitor baby during pregnancy
- Ultrasound helps measure the fetus’s size and movement inside the mother’s body and determine the due date of birth.
- It checks the position of the placenta to see that it isn’t improperly developing over the opening of the cervix.
- It helps in determining the sex of the baby and if the genital area is developed and visible.
- It helps in seeing the number of fetuses present in the uterus.
- It monitors fetal growth and development throughout the pregnancy.
To detect cancer in testicles.
If a lump is developed in your Testicle, then ultrasound scan is considered the best way to identify and capture the image of any potential cancer at an early stage. That’s why it’s essential to visit a healthcare provider to detect cancer if present. And a testicular ultrasound scan gives the result on the same day.
To detect cancer in the Breast.
An ultrasound scan is considered the best way to identify the position and size of a nodule in your Breast at the initial stage and take the lump sample to determine the possible cancer changes quickly.
If you experience any lump in your Breast, please visit and consult your healthcare provider and get that checked before it’s too late.
Abdominal pain
Ultrasound is also used in identifying the root cause of abdominal pain. It is also referred to as the first test to take for underlying problems of lesions or gallstones, if possible.
That’s why it’s essential to consult a specialist if you experience unusual and persistent pain in your abdomen for more than three days.
How to prepare for an ultrasound Scan?
Before performing an ultrasound scan, there are specific instructions that you need to follow to improve the image quality produced. For example, it’s always advised to the patients to drink more water and not go to the toilet until the procedure is done. Also, they must avoid eating or drinking for hours before the scan.
Sedatives are also given to the patients if needed to prepare ultrasound scans.
How is an ultrasound Scan performed?
Ultrasound scan is performed by first applying a thin gel layer on the skin surface. Then a transducer device is pressed on the skin surface that transmits high-frequency sound waves to the inside of the body and bounces back to the device. Those echoes are then displayed on the computer forming an image. The doctor later interprets that image to know the results.
The whole procedure takes 30 minutes to 1 hour to complete. And mostly, the result is provided within 24 hours.
If you are searching for the best clinic to get an ultrasound scan in Waco, Tx, then Lonestar Heart & Wellness is the right place. With a highly skilled and experienced team, Lonestar Heart & Wellness provides personalized and satisfactory patient results.
What can you expect Before the procedure?
Before an ultrasound scan procedure, the patient is asked to do a few things, such as:
- Depending on the area of your body for the ultrasound, remove or reposition your cloth.
- Remove any jewelry that you are wearing on the ultrasound body part.
- The healthcare provider or hospital may ask you to change into a gown for a flexible examination.
Before the ultrasound scan procedure, it’s always advised to change into loose and comfortable clothes so that the process goes smoothly. The patient is also asked to lie down on the examination table.
In many places, a light injection of a harmless substance, called a contrast agent, is also given to the patients before the procedure if required. Plus, it helps in making the image transparent.
What can you expect during the procedure?
During the ultrasound scan procedure, a very thin gel layer is applied to your skin. The gel helps prevent air pockets that block the sound waves from transmitting and producing the image. And after the procedure, it can easily be removed from the body surface.
After applying the gel, the sonographer presses a small ultrasound scan probe, also called a transducer, on the skin surface where the studying is needed and captures the image.
This probe transmits sound waves inside the body and then bounces back to the device, which goes to the computer to produce the image.
In some cases, ultrasound is done inside the body. Here the probe is inserted inside a natural opening of the body. These are done in three cases, which are:
Transrectal ultrasound
In this test, the probe is placed into the rectum, producing an image of the rectum.
Transesophageal echocardiogram
In this test, the probe is inserted into the esophagus of the body to capture the images of the heart.
Transvaginal ultrasound
In this test, a special probe is gently inserted inside the vagina of the patient to capture the image of the ovaries and uterus.
Ultrasounds are almost painless. However, in some cases, it does cause some discomfort when the doctor guides the probe over the body, especially when they have a full bladder or the probe is inserted inside the body.
What can you expect after the procedure?
Usually, ultrasound scans have no after-effects, and the patients are sent home after the procedure. But this is when a sedative is not given to the patient.
When an endoscopic ultrasound is performed, the patient is given a sedative that helps them relax. After the procedure, they are advised to stay in the hospital until the medications wear off.
In such cases, someone must pick up the patient from the hospital and have at least 24 hours with them.
Moreover, results are provided later as analyzing the picture and report preparation take time. It takes 3-4 days to give the results.
Fast facts on ultrasound scans
No risk involved
The best thing about an ultrasound scan is that it does not require any risk. It does not use any harmful radiation like in X-rays. Only high-frequency sound waves are used, usually absorbed by the body in the form of heat waves.
Serves multiple purposes
Ultrasound scan is used for several purposes like pregnancy, cancer detection, abdominal pain, and many more.
History of sonogram
The first ever sonogram was witnessed in 1794, a brainchild of obstetrician Ian Donald and engineer Tom Brown. Its first clinical use was done in the 1950s.
Reduce abortion rates
When the ultrasound scan shows the baby is healthy and moving. Numerous women change their mindset about abortion as it affects their psychology.
Risks of ultrasound
Usually, there are no risks or side effects in performing an ultrasound. This is because it only uses sound waves absorbed by the body and does not create any adverse effects.
The procedure is usually painless but creates discomfort when performing endoscopic ultrasounds.
Sometimes, a small risk of serious complications also involves internal bleeding. So, if any such thing happens, discuss it with your healthcare provider.
FAQS
What are the dos and don’ts before an ultrasound?
Before an ultrasound scan, the patients are advised to drink more water and not eat anything for several hours before. In addition, patients are asked to remove clothes and wear something loose to make the procedure smoother if required.
How long do ultrasound Scan results take?
Usually, an ultrasound result takes 30 minutes to one hour. Many times, it takes 3-4 days to come out. It is entirely based on the time required to produce the image.
Can you see an ultrasound scan?
The patient is asked to lie on the table for an ultrasound. First, the doctor applies the thin gel layer onto the skin’s surface. Then, with the help of a transducer device, they press on the skin. The transducer transmits the sound waves to the inside of the body and then bounces them back to it. This later goes to the computer to form the image, where you can see it.
Can an ultrasound Scan detect a tumor?
No, ultrasound scan cannot tell whether you have a cancer tumor. It is used on limited body parts as sound waves cannot transmit to air or bone.
Will the ultrasound tech tell me if something is wrong?
When a technician performs an ultrasound, they are not allowed to declare the result to you as the performer tells that and its meaning. And if anything goes wrong, the doctor will most likely tell you about it.
What color is a cyst on an ultrasound scan?
Most sound waves pass through a fluid-filled cyst and transmit few or faint echoes back to the device. Therefore, this shows black on the screen. However, with a solid tumor, the waves bounce off, creating a pattern of echoes. Consequently, it is displayed as a lighter-colored image.
Why do you need to drink water before an ultrasound?
Drinking at least a liter of water an hour before the ultrasound is advised. This is because a full bladder is necessary for evaluating the urinary bladder, as the bladder volume is measured during the ultrasound.
How long does water last before an ultrasound scan?
It is advised to drink one liter of water 75 minutes before the procedure and not go to the toilet.
Best Clinic to Get an ultrasound scan in Waco, Tx
If you are looking for an ultrasound scan in Waco, TX, then Lonestar Heart & Wellness is the best clinic for you. We offer a wide range of ultrasound services, and they have a team of highly experienced and qualified professionals who can provide you with the best possible care.
We’re also committed to providing a comfortable and convenient experience, which is why we offer convenient scheduling and easy online access to your images and results. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.