Ultrasound (Usg) Definition and Uses

What Is Ultrasound (USG)? In Which Conditions Is Ultrasound Used?

Ultrasound is an important imaging method used to diagnose many diseases in the body. Ultrasound does not use radiation and does not require any incision in the skin, and it is considered one of the safest imaging methods. High-frequency sound waves are used for imaging. Because it is safe, it is one of the most commonly used diagnostic methods, especially in pregnancy follow-up. Its very broad range of uses, along with being painless and providing quick results, makes ultrasound an indispensable part of diagnostic processes.

You can find the answers to questions such as whether ultrasound harms the baby, whether you should be fasting for an ultrasound, and how an ultrasound is performed in our article.

At Daviva Health Group Radiology Department, we provide the most accurate diagnosis in the fastest way, accompanied by specialist doctors.

What Is Ultrasound?

Ultrasonography uses high-frequency sound waves to image the inside of the body. Because ultrasound images are recorded in real time, the movement of internal organs and the blood flowing through blood vessels can also be seen. Since X-rays are not used during imaging, there is no radiation exposure.

In Which Diseases and Areas Is Ultrasound Used?

Because ultrasound is a safe imaging method, it has a wide range of uses.

Abdominal Ultrasound

It is used to image the liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, and abdominal aorta.

It may be used to diagnose the causes of abdominal pain, inflammation, swelling, or infection. It usually requires 6–12 hours of fasting. However, when a kidney ultrasound is performed, you may be asked to drink water so that the bladder is full.

• Abdominal ultrasound may be performed to evaluate fatty liver, cirrhosis, or liver tumors
• To check for gallstones, gallbladder infection, or bile duct obstructions.
• Diagnosis of pancreatitis or pancreatic tumors
• Determining spleen enlargement
• Determining kidney stones or fluid buildup in the kidney
• Abdominal ultrasound may be performed to detect aortic aneurysms.

Gynecology and Obstetrics

• It is one of the most commonly used methods in pregnancy follow-up. Ultrasound is used to monitor fetal growth, evaluate abnormalities that may develop in the womb, and check amniotic fluid levels.
• Doppler Ultrasound: Doppler ultrasound is used to evaluate blood flow in the fetus, placenta, or pelvic organs.
• 3D Ultrasound: Three-dimensional ultrasounds called 3D ultrasound are used for better visualization of fetal abnormalities or structural problems of the uterus.
• Ultrasound also comes to the forefront in gynecological evaluations. Ultrasound is a suitable imaging method for evaluating pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, and endometrial disorders.
• Transvaginal Ultrasound: With this method, known as vaginal ultrasound, detailed close-up images of the uterus and ovaries are obtained.

Breast Ultrasound

• Breast ultrasound (USG) stands out as a safe method because it can image breast tissue without using radiation.
• It is performed to evaluate certain masses or abnormalities felt during the clinical examination.
• It determines whether a mass in the breast tissue is a benign fluid-filled cyst or a solid lesion that requires further evaluation.
• Breast ultrasound also helps guide needles during breast biopsies.
• It can generally be used together with mammography for high-risk patients or those with dense breast tissue.

Thyroid Ultrasound

It is used to identify disorders of the thyroid gland.

• Thyroid nodules detected on physical examination can easily be imaged with ultrasound. It can be assessed whether the nodules are solid or cystic. Their growth over time can be monitored with thyroid ultrasound.
• The diagnosis of goiter can be clarified with thyroid ultrasound.
• Thyroid ultrasound can also be used to guide biopsies.

Echocardiography

Cardiac ultrasound, commonly known as ECHO, can be performed to create moving, real-time images of the heart chambers, valves, and walls.

How Is Ultrasound Performed?

• Depending on the area to be examined, you may be asked to lie on your back or side on the examination table.
• A transparent gel is applied to the area to be imaged.
• Your doctor or the ultrasound technician may gently press the ultrasound probe during the procedure. This will not cause discomfort.
• As your doctor moves the probe over the relevant area, high-frequency sound waves bounce off the organ and create an image on the screen.
• After the ultrasound, the gel applied to your skin is cleaned off.
• You can return to your daily life immediately after the procedure.

What Are the Advantages of Ultrasound?

• The most important advantage of ultrasound is that it does not expose you to radiation. Therefore, it can be repeated when necessary.
• It is not an invasive procedure. In other words, no incision is needed in the skin to obtain an ultrasound image.
• Ultrasound produces instantaneous, live images. Blood flow, heart function, and organ movement can be obtained in real time. Therefore, it provides major advantages in fetal monitoring.
• It plays a guiding role in procedures such as needle biopsies. It allows procedures to be performed more safely.
• Ultrasound is generally a portable imaging method. This makes bedside examinations possible.

Situations in Which Ultrasound Cannot Be Performed

• Ultrasound generally provides better results in imaging soft tissues and organs. Because ultrasound waves cannot pass through bone structure, it does not produce good results in bone imaging. Likewise, because the brain is inside the skull, brain ultrasounds in adults may also not provide the desired images.
• The sound waves used by ultrasound in imaging do not pass well through air or gas. Therefore, ultrasound does not provide effective results in the lungs and intestines.
• In obese or overweight individuals, image quality may not be at the desired level because sound waves cannot penetrate deep into the body.
• Ultrasound may not be possible in cases such as wounds or burns on the skin. This is because during the procedure the ultrasound probe, that is, the transducer head, must move over the skin. This may discomfort the patient in cases such as wounds or burns.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ultrasound

Does Ultrasound Harm the Baby or the Body?

Because ultrasound uses sound waves instead of radiation to create images, it is an extremely safe procedure for both the expectant mother and the baby. Scientific studies show that ultrasound examinations are not related to birth defects. Although ultrasound is a safe imaging method, ultrasound scans are not recommended solely for keepsake purposes.

Should You Go for an Ultrasound Fasting or Full?

Fasting or fullness may vary depending on the area where the ultrasound will be performed.

• For abdominal ultrasounds such as the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas, 8–12 hours of fasting and no water are required. If you are taking medication, you may take your medicines with small sips.
• Fasting is not required for gynecological ultrasounds such as the uterus or ovaries. In fact, drinking water before the ultrasound is recommended so that the bladder is full.
• There is no need to fast or avoid water before ultrasounds performed for pregnancy follow-up. You can come for the ultrasound after eating and drinking normally.
• No special preparation is required for thyroid ultrasounds either.

What Is Color Doppler Ultrasound?

It is commonly known as "color ultrasound." It is used to measure the speed and direction of blood flow in the vessels. It is preferred for checking vascular blockages, varicose veins, and fetal circulation.