Ultrasound

Abdominal Ultrasound

Definition

Abdominal ultrasound is an imaging procedure used to examine the internal organs of the abdomen, including the liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, and kidneys. The blood vessels that lead to some of these organs can also be looked at with ultrasound.

How the test is performed

An ultrasound machine sends out high-frequency sound waves, which reflect off body structures to create a picture. A computer receives these reflected waves and uses them to create an image. Unlike x-rays or CT scans, there is no ionising radiation exposure with this test.

You will be lying down for the procedure. A clear, water-based conducting gel is applied to the skin over the abdomen. This helps with the transmission of the sound waves. A handheld probe called a transducer is then moved over the abdomen.

You may be asked to change position so that the sonographer can examine different areas. You may also be asked to hold your breath for short periods of time during the examination.

The procedure usually takes less than 30 minutes.

How to prepare for the test

Preparation for the procedure depends on the nature of the problem and your age. Usually patients are asked to not eat or drink for several hours before the examination. The receptionist you make your booking with will advise you about specific preparation.

How the test will feel

There is little discomfort. The conducting gel may feel slightly cold and wet.

Why the test is performed

Your doctor may order this test to:
Determine the cause of abdominal pain
Learn why there is swelling of an abdominal organ
Look for stones in the gallbladder or kidney
The specific reason for the test will depend on your symptoms.

Normal Values

The organs examined are normal in appearance.

What abnormal results mean

Some conditions identified on ultrasound include:
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (blood vessel becomes abnormally large or balloon outward)
Cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder)
Gallstones (crystalline concretion within the gallbladder)
Hydronephrosis (obstruction of the free flow of urine from the kidney)
Kidney stones (crystalline concretion within the kidney)Spleen enlargement (splenomegaly)
Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)

What the risks are

There is no documented risk. No ionising radiation exposure is involved.

Breast Ultrasound

Definition

Breast ultrasound uses sound waves that cannot be heard by humans to look at the breast. It is performed to detect or characterise breast lumps, and is often done in conjunction with mammography.

Alternative Name

Ultrasonography of the breast.

How the test is performed

Patients are asked to undress from the waist up and put on a medical gown. During the test, you will lie on your back on the examination table. You will be asked to place your arm behind your head whilst the breast is being examined.

A water-soluble gel is placed on the skin of the breast. A hand-held device (transducer) directs the sound waves to the breast tissue. The transducer is moved over the skin of the breast to create a picture that can be seen on a screen.

Breast ultrasound may also be used to guide a needle during a breast biopsy.

How to prepare for the test

Because you need to remove your clothing from the waist up, it may be helpful to wear a two-piece outfit. On the day of the test, do not use any lotions or powders on your breasts or wear deodorant under your arms.

How the test will feel

The number of people involved in the test will be limited to protect your privacy.

There is no discomfort from the ultrasound

Why the test is performed

Common uses of breast ultrasound are:
In addition to a mammogram or physical exam. If a mammogram shows a growth, ultrasound can help determine whether it is a solid mass or a cyst.
By itself, to check a breast lump or nipple discharge.

What abnormal results mean

mean Ultrasound can detect and help differentiate between cystic and solid lumps. Breast cancers may also be demonstrated with ultrasound.

What the risks are

There are no risks associated with breast ultrasound. There is no radiation exposure.

Pregnancy Ultrasound

Definition

A pregnancy ultrasound is an imaging test that uses sound waves to see how a baby is developing in the womb.

Alternative Names

Obstetric ultrasonography.

How the test is performed

Patients lie down for the procedure. The sonographer places a clear, water-based gel on your belly and pelvis area and then moves a hand-held probe over the area. The gel helps the probe transmit sound waves. These waves bounce off the body structures, including the developing baby, to create a picture on the ultrasound machine.

In some cases, a pregnancy ultrasound may be done by placing the probe into the vagina.

How to prepare for the test

A full bladder is necessary to get a good picture. Therefore, you may be asked to drink 2 to 3 glasses of liquid an hour before the test. You should not urinate before the procedure.

How the test will feel

There may be some discomfort from pressure on the full bladder. The conducting gel may feel slightly cold and wet.

Why the test is performed

Some doctors order an ultrasound when they think there may be a problem with the pregnancy or if there is a question about how far along the pregnancy is.

A pregnancy ultrasound may be done in the first trimester to:

• Confirm pregnancy
• Determine the baby’s age
• Look for problems, such as ectopic pregnancies or miscarriage
• Look for multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets, etc.)
• Identify problems of the placenta, uterus, cervix, and ovaries

A pregnancy ultrasound may also be done in the second and third trimesters to:

• Determine the baby’s age, growth, position, and sometimes gender
• Identify any developmental abnormalities
• Look at the placenta, amniotic fluid, and assess fetal well being

We perform a nuchal translucency study at 11-13 weeks of pregnancy to look for signs of Down syndrome or other developmental problems in the developing baby. This test is often combined with blood tests to improve the accuracy of results.

The total number of scans will depend on whether a previous scan or blood test has detected problems that require follow-up testing.

What the risks are

Current ultrasound techniques appear to be safe and there is no documented risk to women or their developing babies. Ultrasound does not involve ionising radiation, such as that used when taking an x-ray.

Testicular Ultrasound

Definition

Testicular ultrasound is an imaging test that examines the testicles and other structures inside the scrotum.

Alternative Names

Scrotal ultrasound; Testicular sonogram.

 How the test is performed

You lie on your back with your legs spread. The sonographer drapes a cloth across your thighs under the scrotum. The scrotal sac will be slightly raised, with the testicles lying side by side.

A gel is applied to the scrotal sac to help transmit the sound waves. A handheld probe (the ultrasound transducer) is then moved over the scrotum. High-frequency sound waves are reflected off structures in the scrotum to create a picture.

How to prepare for the test

No special preparation is needed for this test.

How the test will feel

There is little discomfort. The conducting gel may feel slightly cold and wet.

Why the test is performed

The ultrasound is done to help determine why one or both testicles have become larger, or to find the reason for pain in the testicles.

What the risks are

There are no known risks. You will not be exposed to ionising radiation with this test. Ionising radiation procedures such as x-ray carry a small cancer risk and may damage sperm, but this test does not.

Special considerations

In certain cases, Doppler ultrasound may help identify blood flow inside the scrotum. For example, Doppler ultrasound is very helpful in cases of testicular torsion, because blood flow to the twisted testicle may be reduced.

Thyroid Ultrasound

Definition

A thyroid ultrasound is an examination used to image the thyroid – a gland in the neck that regulates metabolism.

How the test is performed

The test is usually done in one of our ultrasound examination rooms.

You will lie on your back with your neck extended over a rolled pillow (hyperextended). The sonographer will place a gel onto your neck. Next, the sonographer will move the transducer, over this area.

How to prepare for the test

No special preparation is necessary for this test.

How the test will feel

You should feel very little discomfort with this test. The gel may be cold.

Why the test is performed

A thyroid ultrasound is most commonly done to evaluate thyroid nodules. The exam can help tell the difference between a sac containing fluid (cyst) and abnormal tissue that may or may not be cancerous (a tumor).

Normal Values

The thyroid is of normal size, shape, and position.

What abnormal results mean

Abnormal results may be due to:

• Cysts
• Enlargement of the thyroid gland (goiter)
• Thyroid nodules
• Tumours

Your doctor can use these results and the results of other tests to direct you

What the risks are

There are no documented risks of ultrasound

Transvaginal (Pelvic) Ultrasound

Definition

Transvaginal ultrasound is a type of pelvic ultrasound. It is used to look at a woman’s reproductive organs, including the uterus, ovaries, cervix, and vagina. Transvaginal means the study is performed through the vagina.

Alternative Names

Endovaginal ultrasound; Ultrasound – transvaginal; Sonohysterography; Hysterosonography; Saline infusion sonography; SIS.

How the test is performed

You will lie down on your back, on a table, with your knees bent. The sonographer will place a probe, called a transducer, into the vagina. The probe is covered with a condom and a gel, and is sterilised after each use with a state-of-the-art device called a Trophon desteriliser. The vaginal probe sends out sound waves, which reflect off body structures. A computer receives these waves and uses them to create a picture. The doctor can immediately see the picture on a nearby TV monitor.

The sonographer will move the probe within the area to see the pelvic organs. This test can be used during pregnancy.

In some cases, a special transvaginal ultrasound method called sonohysterography or hysterosonography may be needed to more clearly view the uterus.

This test requires saline (sterile salt water) to be placed into the uterus before the ultrasound. The saline helps outline any abnormal masses, so the doctor can get a better idea of their size.

SIS is not done on pregnant women.

How to prepare for the test

You will be asked to put on a special gown and remove your underwear. A transvaginal ultrasound is done with your bladder empty.

How the test will feel

The test is usually painless, although some women experience mild discomfort from the pressure of the probe. Only a small part of the probe is placed into the vagina.

Why the test is performed

Transvaginal ultrasound can help establish the cause of certain types of infertility, pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, and menstrual problems. It can demonstrate the lining of the uterus (endometrium). The test can diagnose:

• Ovarian cysts
• Ovarian tumours
• Pelvic infection
• Uterine fibroids
• Uterine lining polyps
• Thickened uterine lining in cases of postmenopausal bleeding

Transvaginal ultrasound is also used during pregnancy to monitor the growth and wellbeing of the foetus, to check for ectopic pregnancy and other potential problems.

What abnormal results mean

Some problems that may be detected include:

• Birth defects
• Cancers of the uterus, ovaries, vagina, and other pelvic structures
• Infection, including pelvic inflammatory disease
• Benign growths of the uterus and ovaries (such as cysts or fibroids)
• Twisting or torsion of the ovaries

Some problems or conditions that may be found specifically in pregnant women include:

• Ectopic pregnancy (embryo implants outside uterine cavity)
• More than one fetus (twins, triplets, etc.)
• Miscarriage Placenta praevia (placenta attached to uterine wall)
• Placental abruption (placental lining separates from uterus)
• Shortened cervix, which increases the risk for preterm delivery or late miscarriage
• Tumours of pregnancy including gestational trophoblastic disease

What the risks are

There are no known harmful effects of transvaginal ultrasound on humans.

Unlike traditional x-rays, there is no ionising radiation exposure with this test.

Vascular and Duplex Ultrasound

Definition

A Doppler ultrasound is a test to see how blood moves through your arteries and veins.

Alternative Names

Vascular ultrasound; Peripheral vascular ultrasound.

How the test is performed

The test combines ultrasound and Doppler.

Regular ultrasound uses sound waves that reflect off blood vessels to create pictures.

Doppler ultrasound relies on sound waves being reflected off moving blood to measure their speed and direction.

A duplex ultrasound can help diagnose the following conditions:

• Abdominal aneurysm (blood-filled bulge in the wall of a blood vessel)
• Arterial occlusion (blockage)
• Blood clot
• Carotid occlusive disease (arteries in the neck become narrowed or blocked)
• Renal vascular disease
• Varicose veins
• Venous insufficiency

A renal duplex ultrasound can also be used after transplant surgery to see how well a new kidney is working.

You may need to wear a medical gown. You will lie down on a table, and the sonographer will spread a clear gel over the area being tested.

A hand held device, called a transducer is moved over the area being tested.

You need to stay still during the exam. You may be asked to lie in different body positions.

The Doppler creates a “swishing” sound, which is the sound of your blood cells moving through the arteries and veins.

How to prepare for the test

Usually, there is no preparation for a duplex ultrasound.

If you are having an ultrasound of your stomach area, you may be asked not to eat or drink after midnight. Tell the person doing the ultrasound exam if you are taking any medicines, such as blood thinners, that might affect the results of the test.

What abnormal results mean

An abnormal result depends on the specific area being examined. An abnormal result may be due to a blood clot or plaque buildup in a blood vessel.

What the risks are

There are no risks.