Since its first use in 1956, millions of people have already benefited from ultrasound imaging. Its excellent safety record, convenience, cost-effectiveness, and precision make it a widely used diagnostic tool.
While ultrasound is mostly used for obstetrical or gynecological evaluation, it is also employed to diagnose disease, evaluate blood flow, and guide treatment in other body parts, such as the heart, intestines, kidneys, and liver.
An ultrasound has many types, and the procedure will depend on which area of the body needs evaluation. Let’s take a look at each of the most common types of ultrasound imaging and talk about what happens during each procedure.
Transabdominal Ultrasound
An abdominal ultrasound is used for various purposes, notably for detecting abnormalities in organs within the abdomen—such as the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and spleen—for helping a physician determine the cause of abdominal pain, and for guiding needle biopsies.
Prior to your transabdominal ultrasound appointment, you will need to drink plenty of water and make sure your bladder stays full throughout the procedure. Having a full bladder enhances the movement of sound waves through your abdominal cavity, thereby creating a clearer view of the specific structure that is being examined.
During the procedure, you will need to lie on your back. The sonologist will apply a gel onto your abdomen. As the transducer is being rubbed over the surface of your abdomen, it releases sound waves, detects the echoes, and converts them into images. The sonologist will then interpret those images.
Transvaginal Ultrasound
A transvaginal ultrasound helps check for gynecological problems: in the cervix (the neck of the womb), endometrium (lining of the womb), uterus (the womb itself), bladder, ovaries, and/or the pelvic cavity. It is also useful for confirming pregnancy, hence conducted in the first trimester.
Vaginal bleeding associated with an abnormally low-lying placenta (a pregnancy problem known as placenta previa) is a contraindication for a transvaginal ultrasound, as it could exacerbate the bleeding.
Prior to a transvaginal ultrasound, you will need to empty your bladder. During the procedure, you will be instructed to lie face up on your back with your feet in stirrups. The sonologist will then apply gel for lubrication on the transducer before putting it in your vagina. Inserting only two to three inches of the transducer, the sonologist will move it around to capture images from different angles.
Obstetric Ultrasound
Obstetric ultrasound (OB ultrasound) is a type of transabdominal ultrasound, but mainly geared toward examining the uterus and monitoring the growth and development of a fetus. An OB ultrasound is also carried out to detect the type and age of a pregnancy, congenital abnormalities, gender and position of fetus, and position of the placenta.
During an obstetric ultrasound procedure, the sonologist will instruct you to lie on your back or side and expose your lower abdominal area. Procedure typically takes 30 to 45 minutes.
While it is generally painless, you may experience varying degrees of discomfort from the pressure the sonologist exerts while guiding the transducer over your abdomen, especially if you are required to have a full bladder. The sonologist may occasionally have to press more firmly to get closer to the embryo or fetus to be able to get a better view. Nonetheless, the discomfort is just temporary.
Diagnostic Imaging Center in Jacksonville, Pensacola, and Lake Mary, FL
At Innovative Open MRI & Imaging, we offer ultrasound, MRI, bone density scans, among other innovative diagnostic imaging services to everyone in the Jacksonville, Pensacola, and Lake Mary areas in Florida.
Our board-certified radiologists are also highly trained in ultrasonography, ensuring you will receive the exceptional care and precise imaging result interpretations you came to see us for.
If you would like to schedule an ultrasound appointment, call our office nearest you, or you may use our online request form.
