Ultrasound, also known as sonography, is a non-invasive technology that captures the bodies’ internal images of a wide range of soft tissues, organs, blood vessels, and muscles. The most common use of ultrasound is monitoring the growth of a fetus during pregnancy.
Radiography, or what is popularly known as X-rays, is used to diagnose internal illnesses, congenital deformities, fractures, etc. X-rays use radiation passed through the body, where different parts of the body absorb at a different rate. Fewer-density parts easily allow radiation to pass through, while high-density parts resist radiation. Their necessity has made X-Ray machines for sale improve in recent years.
Unlike the X-rays and CT scans that use radiation, ultrasound machines use generated high frequencies of sound waves that human ears can’t perceive. The ultrasound technology combines a transducer used as a microphone, a processing unit, and a display unit, either in-built or external connection to a computer. The processing unit helps convert to audible sounds and quickly view images on the monitor.
The following article discusses some of the benefits of using ultrasound technology on patients.
Ultrasound Produces Clear Images
The x-ray is good for bone imaging to diagnose possible bone fractures and deformities. The images are not so clear and are slightly hard to interpret, most especially for non-professionals. On the other hand, the ultrasound machine can deliver explicit analysis pictures of soft tissues. During antenatal clinics, the doctors may recommend several ultrasounds to evaluate the growth process of the fetus.
Getting clear ultrasound images, especially during antenatal, depends on the hydration levels as being dehydrated may cause reduced amniotic fluid levels. Low levels of amniotic fluid render the ultrasound imaging cloudy and unclear. Having a high Body Mass Index (BMI) may also cause shadowy images. Also, babies facing inward and less movement may lead to vague ultrasound imaging.
Ultrasound Service Is Affordable
Screening tests and medical examinations are pretty costly in most hospitals. Since many have a low income, they can’t afford to make the illness grow deeper by raising the required amount. On the other hand, getting an ultrasound done is not costly, making it accessible to many. Its affordability has reduced the mother-child mortality rate since many expectant mothers can afford the service.
The obstetrician can monitor the baby’s growth and development through ultrasound imaging. It also helps detect any abnormalities in pregnancy or other soft tissues that aid in early treatment.
No Radiation In Ultrasound
Other imaging devices expose the patient to radiation which is not the case with the ultrasound device. Exposure of humans to radiation can have adverse effects on the body. Some of the possible negative effects of radiation on a human body include damage to the chromosome in cells that happen in the wrong run. Also, a human body with radiation exposure tends to have reduced white blood cells exposing the person to the risk of contracting illnesses.
Other instant reactions of the body due to radiation exposure include fatigue, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Since ultrasound imaging does not radiate, it is safe, and the patient does not go through the side effects of radiation.
Ultrasound Is Painless
The painless nature of ultrasound is one of the most significant advantages of using ultrasound. Some tests include cuts, pricks, and shots, which is not the case during ultrasound imaging. It is painless since ultrasound does examine the inner organs, but it’s done externally. The external process requires some simple steps. The technician applies a translucent gel to the area and passes the transducer over the gel-applied area. The images are created on a monitor and can be printed as well.
Sometimes the ultrasound is done internally, like through the rectum or the vagina. Whether it’s done externally or internally, no pain is involved.
Ultrasound Is Diverse In Usage
The mention of ultrasound rings back to the antenatal procedure where the obstetrician observes the growth and development of the fetus. The process, plus other soft tissue diagnoses like blood vessels or internal injuries and inflammation, is done externally— when the imaging needs to be done from the inside.
These internal procedures are Transesophageal echocardiograms, which take images of the heart through the esophagus. The process requires the patient to be sedated. Transrectal ultrasound for pictures of the prostate through the rectum. Transvaginal ultrasound for imaging the uterus and the ovaries through the vagina.
In Conclusion
Other types of imaging utilize ultrasound technology, including a Doppler that uses sound waves to monitor blood flow. The sound waves are created by moving objects like red blood cells. Echocardiograms are meant to evaluate the heart rhythm and blood flow. It helps in the detection of cardiovascular-related conditions. The 3D imaging delivers its imaging in a 3D format for a compressive image interpretation and diagnosis.
The invention and adoption of ultrasound technology in local health care centers and significant hospitals have played an essential role in the early detection and treatment of illnesses.
