What Are the Types and Uses of Ultrasounds

Ultrasound machines use sound waves that penetrate the body providing images to a technician. The doctor then uses the images for diagnostic purposes.

Ultrasound machines are well known for their use in diagnosing a fetus while in utero. These sophisticated machines have uses far beyond pregnancy.

Keep reading for a guide to the benefits and uses of ultrasounds in medicine today.

Abdominal Ultrasound

The abdomen houses many of the body's important organs including:

• Liver

• Spleen

• Pancreas

• Gallbladder

• Bladder

• Kidneys

An abdominal ultrasound helps doctors pinpoint the origin of pain. For instance, a doctor can use ultrasound in search of kidney stones or gallstones. A swollen or enlarged abdominal organ may also show up on an ultrasound.

Ultrasound technology is also used for needle guidance during biopsies. Doctors can also see blood clots on ultrasound.

A point-of-care abdominal ultrasound is great for getting quick answers to urgent questions. Find out more here.

Pelvic Ultrasound

Pelvic ultrasounds are well known for their use in obstetrics for fetal monitoring. But pelvic ultrasound is also used in the diagnosis of many abnormalities such as:

• Uterine fibroids

• Ovarian cysts

• Abnormal bleeding

• Pelvic pain

• Ovarian cancer

• Uterine cancer

• Bladder and kidney stones

Ultrasounds are especially useful in that they are noninvasive. They also don't expose the patient to ionizing radiation the way that x-rays do.

Transvaginal Ultrasound

For some conditions, such as pelvic pain, a transvaginal ultrasound is necessary. This is only slightly invasive.

The technician inserts the transducer a couple of inches into the vagina. This allows views from many different angles for a good diagnosis. This is not a painful procedure for most women.

Transrectal Ultrasound

Transrectal ultrasounds are for the diagnosis of the prostate gland. The technician inserts the transducer a couple of inches into the rectum. The patient lies on his left side with his knees up toward his chest.

If necessary, the doctor can perform an ultrasound-guided biopsy during this procedure. This too is a minimally invasive procedure needing only a small incision.

Abdominal Aorta Ultrasound

Some people develop aneurysms in the abdominal aorta. Atherosclerotic disease is a common cause. An ultrasound detects abnormal enlargement of the area which could indicate an aneurysm.

Carotid Ultrasound

Blockages in the blood flow of the neck arteries that lead to the brain are dangerous. They can lead to mini-strokes or life-threatening strokes.

Like other ultrasounds, the procedure is painless and noninvasive. The technician first applies a clear gel to the skin. The technician or doctor then places a transducer against the area of interest.

The gel ensures good contact for the transducer which gives a better picture.

The Many Uses of Ultrasounds for Medical Purposes

There are many uses of ultrasounds in medicine today. Ultrasound imaging is a great technology because it's non- or only slightly invasive. It's also typically a pain-free procedure.

Ultrasound offers internal imaging without ionizing radiation exposure. This is a major advantage over x-ray technology. From stroke prevention to diagnosing abdominal pain and tracking fetal development, ultrasounds have many uses.

Looking for more medical news? Keep reading the blog!