Why do doctors order ultrasound scans? This type of imaging test uses high-frequency sound waves to create a picture of organs and other structures inside the body. To better understand what this type of diagnostic tool is used for and why you may need one, take a look at the top reasons medical providers use ultrasounds.
Sonography for Pregnancy
Are you pregnant? Did your OB or midwife recently order a sonogram? Ultrasound imaging is used during pregnancy for several different reasons. These include to confirm a suspected pregnancy, check the baby's age/growth, assess fetal development, check the baby's heartbeat, determine if you have multiples (twins, triplets, or more), confirm the baby is in a head-first position before childbirth, or look for specific birth defects (such as congenital heart defects or spina bifida).
A sonographer can also use this imaging test to find out the sex of the baby. The accuracy of this type of test depends on fetal age and the position of the baby during the exam.
Sonography for Abdominal Issues
Do you have abdominal pain, bloating, or another unexplained issue? The doctor may order an ultrasound along with other diagnostic tests. In the abdomen, sonography isn't only used to assess the stomach or intestines. Your medical provider may also use this type of test to look at the kidneys, liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas, abdominal aorta, bladder, or spleen.
This can help the doctor to diagnose conditions such as liver disease, enlargement of abdominal organs, kidney stones, abdominal aortic aneurysm, tumors, blood vessel changes, or gallstones. Some women may also need an abdominal ultrasound (outside of pregnancy) to diagnose changes or diseases of the uterus, ovaries, or fallopian tubes, such as uterine fibroids or endometriosis.
Sonography for Biopsies
Did your medical provider recommend a biopsy to investigate a suspected tumor? A biopsy can help the medical provider learn more about a lesion or mass and diagnose or rule out cancer. Even though an ultrasound isn't always necessary for a biopsy, it can guide the medical provider during this type of procedure. An ultrasound-guided needle test is used for some breast, lymph node, and liver biopsies.
Sonography for Blood Vessels
Does your doctor need to know more about your blood vessels and how blood travels through your veins and arteries? Even though doctors commonly use ultrasounds to see organs and tissues inside of the body, they also use this type of imaging study to better understand blood flow and vascular issues. This can help to diagnose circulatory system blockages, clots, and other related potential problems.
Contact a clinic like Hudson Valley Imaging to learn more.
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