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Ultrasound examination is a method of examining the condition of internal organs and tissues using ultrasonic vibration (waves). Images of the internal sphere of the body are projected on the screen, due to the fact that ultrasound passing through the tissues is reflected different with different vibrational frequencies, which are recorded by the sensor. The method is absolutely safe, not associated with radiation, and is used to recognize the disease while monitoring the dynamics of the process during treatment. Ultrasound for children is good because the examination procedure is completely painless.

Ultrasound at the point of care has the potential to save billions of dollars annually in all health systems. It has the ability to revolutionize patient care and improve the effectiveness of the procedure, reduce complications, and limit pain and suffering. Advances in ultrasound technology have driven the emergence of ultrasound at the point of care, which includes greater ease of use, superior image quality, and lower cost ultrasound units.

What is point of view ultrasound?

Attention point ultrasound refers to the use of portable ultrasound in a patient's bedside for diagnostic (for example, symptom or sign examination) and therapeutic (for example, imaging guide) purposes.

The main barrier to the future universal adoption of this "stethoscope of the future" dependent on the operator. It is the lack of widespread, efficient, and affordable training solutions. The need and demand for ultrasound training have grown in parallel with the expanded use of ultrasound technology.

Ultrasound at the point of care improves health care. While traditional methods of performing a physical examination are critically important, health professionals who become experts in the use of ultrasound at the point of care acquire a unique power. Higher fidelity, lower cost and smaller (handheld) ultrasound units, together with innovative ultrasound training solutions, has created a unique opportunity. Health care providers, facilities, and health systems that strategically incorporate ultrasound at the point of care in clinical practice will quickly be distinguished from those who refrain from incorporating this valuable modality.

How objective is ultrasound?

Ultrasound or sonography over the past two decades has become one of the main diagnostic methods, most often used in the examination of various internal organs. Unlike x-rays, ultrasound is completely safe for the body (ultrasound waves do not have a radioactive effect); therefore, it is used during pregnancy (to monitor fetal development) and other screening examinations.

Ultrasound accuracy

When making a number of diagnoses, it is ultrasound that is the preferred method of examination. It is used in the diagnosis of pathologies of the digestive system, in diseases of the genitourinary system, in obstetrics, for examining the state of superficial organs or glands (thyroid, mammary glands, etc.) by ultrasound labs. In addition to the absence of contraindications, the main advantage of the study is its diagnostic effectiveness. If we compare the results of ultrasound with pathological data, the accuracy of the results in most cases reaches 80%.

In the second trimester, a pregnant woman is assigned a repeated screening, confirming or refuting the data obtained in the first comprehensive study. This period is most suitable for the diagnosis of hormonal levels of the fetus. The data obtained make it possible to assess its development.

If the expectant mother has to wait for a consultation of the attending physician for several days, she will certainly be interested in whether the results of the perinatal screening are normal in advance. It should be remembered that the doctor always judges the pathology only by the totality of the indicators of fetometry, and almost never takes anyone value into account.

Each child is individual even before birth. And if the future mother has really serious reasons for concern, then the ultrasound clinic will inform her about this immediately. Nevertheless, we will talk about the main indicators of the second screening and their normal values.

Body length and fetal weight

At the beginning of the second trimester, the embryo is growing very actively, and it is difficult to judge the standards. On average, the length of the fetus grows from 10 to 16 cm between the sixteenth and twentieth weeks of pregnancy. It is important to consider not an absolute indicator in centimeters, but an increase in growth by weeks. If the specialist is alert, the pregnant woman will be offered a second study after a week or two.

The fetal weight by ultrasound can only be determined using special formulas so that this value can be very inaccurate depending on the device, the doctor, and the posture of the baby in the womb. Weighing about 300 grams by the 20th week, all the organs of the baby are fully formed, and from 22 weeks or about 450 grams, a prematurely born baby can survive. It seems unbelievable!

The circumference of the abdomen and head

As well as the growth of the child, these important values ​​vary over a wide range and must strictly correspond to the gestational age. There are frequent cases when the “developmental delay” in practice turned out to be an incorrectly diagnosed gestational age. However, the widespread introduction of ultrasound diagnostics in the early stages has reduced the number of such errors.

Biparietal (BPR) and Frontooccipital Foetal head size

It is not surprising that the level 2 ultrasound of pathologies during pregnancy is based on head measurements in 3 projections. It is unlikely that at least one human organ is comparable in complexity and importance to the brain. Deviations from reference values ​​may indicate the formation of severe fetal malformations, such as anencephaly or dropsy of the brain. But as a rule, such diseases are judged by several repeated ultrasounds.

Bone length: lower leg, femur, humerus, and forearm

Some deviation from the norms indicated in the table for the weeks of pregnancy is permissible and can be determined by individual characteristics. The doctor will be warned by a sharp shortening of the entire limb or a different length of arms or legs in one child.

Transvaginal ultrasound is an imaging study used to examine the female pelvis when more detailed images of some organs are desired. A special transducer is used, and the study is painless, brief, and safe.

The transvaginal ultrasound test, such as gynecological ultrasound is an imaging test that is based on the use of ultrasound waves (i.e., high frequency), to explore the organs and structures in the female pelvis. The difference between both types of ultrasound is the transducer that emits the ultrasound waves: a thin transducer is used in transvaginal ultrasound and specially designed not to cause discomfort, which is gently inserted into the vagina. This transducer is slightly larger in size than a buffer.

Why does the doctor request a transvaginal ultrasound?

Transvaginal ultrasound provides more detailed and defined images of the organs located in the pelvis, especially the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. This is because the type of transducer allows ultrasound waves to be directed to visualize the structures of the pelvis in planes that are not possible with transabdominal gynecological ultrasound.

Generally, this study is requested when there is a pain in the pelvic region or abnormal bleeding. It provides valuable information to evaluate the presence of fibroids or polyps in the uterus, as well as cysts or other tumors in the ovaries, to evaluate causes of infertility and other possible problems in the structures of the pelvis.

How is the preparation of transvaginal ultrasound?

The transvaginal ultrasound is performed on an outpatient basis, i.e., in a clinic, and requires no special preparation. Unlike transabdominal ultrasound, you don't need to drink water or urinary bladder retention.

The ultrasound is completely painless, and it takes a few minutes. In general, fifteen minutes are enough. The professional who conducts the study will ask you to empty your bladder before starting. You will be asked to put on a gown and remove the garments from the lower half of the body (from the waist down). You will then lie on a stretcher and be asked to flex your knees, similar to when you perform the exam with your gynecologist.

Before starting transvaginal ultrasound, the transducer is covered with a latex protector that is discarded after the end of each patient's study. In addition, a thin layer of transparent gel is applied to lubricate said protector. In this way, the study generates minimal discomfort and is completely safe from a health point of view. After each study, the transducer is completely sterilized and cleaned.

There is no effect after an ultrasound. You may notice some vaginal discharge due to the lubricating gel, but it is scarce and lasts less than 24 hours. Before having an ultrasound, it is important to know ultrasound test price in Delhi.

Can you have sex before a gynecological ultrasound?

The answer is yes. Having sex the day before, or even the same day of the shift for transvaginal ultrasound does not modify or influence the results. Personal hygiene is always important.

Your privacy is protected at all times. You can request that the professional conducting the study be a woman if you feel more comfortable. At the time of requesting the turn, indicate that you wish.

Are you going to get a 4D or 5D ultrasound and you do not know how to prepare yourself to be perfect? In that case, take note of the recommendations we give you in this post!

Avoid giving you moisturizer 48/72 hours before your ultrasound 4D or 5D

We know that during pregnancy the use of this product in your tummy is essential to take care of the skin. However, you should know that body creams have a fatty film that produces interference in the ultrasound. This influences the quality of the image, making it difficult to visualize your baby. Therefore, this is one of our main recommendations before your 4D or 5D ultrasound.

Try to drink 2 liters of water every day- 3 or 4 days before

Drink plenty of water the days before your 4d ultrasound test will help make the amniotic fluid clearer. Thanks to this, the ultrasound will provide sharper images.

Bring some sweet or exciting drink on the day of the session

Sometimes babies are on their backs or asleep. In order to get them to move and see their faces better, one of our recommendations before your 4D or 5D ultrasound is to take an ounce of chocolate or coffee, as long as the professional advises.

Take 1.5 liters on the day of your 4D or 5D ultrasound and avoid urinating 15 minutes before

In the same way that it is essential to consume fluids before performing a 4D or 5D ultrasound, it is the same day of the session. Also, it would be preferable if your bladder was half full. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid going to the bathroom at least 15 minutes before the 4D or 5D ultrasound. In this way, you are favoring the visualization of the baby.

Wear comfortable clothes and relax

On the day of your 4D or 5D ultrasound, choose items of clothing that you feel comfortable with during the session. A pair of pants that you can undo and a wide blouse with your tummy to the air would be two great options. Remember that the duration of your 4D or 5D ultrasound will be approximately 30 minutes. Therefore, from Forty Weeks we advise you to relax and enjoy this unique experience!

The importance of knowing when to have a 4D or 5D ultrasound

Finally, one of the best recommendations before your 4D or 5D ultrasound is that you choose when to perform it. The week of pregnancy in which you decide to enjoy this experience will be crucial to get the best viewing of your baby. We remind you that as the pregnancy progresses, your baby is located in the pelvic area, which can hinder the visibility of some parts of your body.

Follow our recommendations and enjoy this day

From Forty Weeks we want you to feel comfortable and be able to see your baby as clearly as possible, so it is essential that you follow these recommendations before your 4d ultrasound test. In case it is not possible to see it, do not worry. Our professionals will teach you different exercises to facilitate the movement of the baby, or we will repeat the session without additional cost. Are you ready to live an extraordinary experience?

We all have a fair idea about what an ultrasound is. It is a test done using high-frequency sound waves that create images of the internal portion of the body. This test has been commonly used for checking any health updates at the time of pregnancy. Ultrasound tests, or sonography, unlike other tests are considered to be a much safer option because it merely uses the sound waves that echoes on the area of diagnosis thereby resulting in no radiation-like effects.  These scans are done in the Ultrasound Clinicto evaluate fetal development. Alternatively, they can also be recommended by the physicians to for checking other internal organ's ailments such as liver, heart, kidney, or abdomen. An ultrasound test is equally adept at performing certain types of biopsy.

The image produced by the Ultrasound Test is known as sonogram.

Quick facts on ultrasound scans

Given below are some of the key things to remember about ultrasound.

·        Due to the high safety standards, Ultrasound scans are widely recommended.

·        Its most common use is seen for checking the progress of a pregnancy.

·        It is used to enhance the diagnosis of the treatment.

·        No special preparation is normally necessary before an ultrasound scan.

Concept

Ultrasound scans are carried out by a sonographer.

The person who performs an ultrasound scan is called a sonographer, but the images are interpreted by radiologists, cardiologists, or other specialists.

At the time of the sonography, the sonographer uses a device known as transducer, a hand-held device, which is placed on the patient's skin. The ultrasound waves then travel through the soft tissues of the body. It does not get absorbed but it rather bounces back or echoes off to the denser surfaces thereby obtaining an image in the process.

It is named as ultrasound as the sound is produced in a frequency which is not audible to the normal human ears.

The frequency of ultrasound in all the ultrasound in delhi is between 2 and 18 megahertz (MHz).

It has been observed that the higher frequency of an ultrasound enables better quality images and is readily absorbed by the skin and other internal tissue. Hence they cannot penetrate as deeply as lower frequencies. Yet its use is deemed fit because the lower frequencies fail to penetrate deep into the tissues.

How Does it Capture an Image?

The ultrasound waves travel through blood. For instance if the waves hit the heart valve, it would bounce back.

Similarly, if the ultrasound test is for gallbladder and there are gallstones present in the organ then the waves would bounce back from them and create an image.

This bouncing back, or echo, gives the ultrasound image its features. Varying shades of gray reflect different densities.

What Does a Transducer Look Like?

A transducer is more like a wand in appearance and is placed on the body which is to be checked for.  Some of the tranducer are used for internal use for clearer and informative images as well. These are:

·        an endovaginal transducer, for use in the vagina

·        an endorectal transducer. This is used for getting images of the rectum

·        a transesophageal transducer. It is passed down the patient's throat to examine the esophagus.

The Ultrasound Lab also has small transducers that can be positioned onto the end of a catheter and inserted into blood vessels to examine the walls of blood vessels.

They are used for diagnosis, for treatment and also for guidance during the procedures of biopsies. Due to its high penetration power, it can be also used for internal organs such as the liver and kidneys, the pancreas, the thyroid gland, the testes and the ovaries, and others.

Other critical problems that can be brought into notice are:

·        Lump of a tumor. This could be cancerous, or a fluid-filled cyst.

·        An ultrasound can successfully diagnose the problems related to soft tissues, muscles, blood vessels, tendons, and joints.

·         The test is also effective in looking into certain conditions such as a frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome and others.

Circulatory problems

Doppler ultrasound, a form of ultrasound done in the lab assesses the follow of blood in a vessel and blood pressure. The speed of the blood flow or any kind of obstruction can also be determined in an ultrasound test.

An echocardiogram (ECG) is an example of Doppler ultrasound. It is brought into effect in order to create images of the cardiovascular system and to measure blood flow and cardiac tissue movement at specific points.

A Doppler ultrasound can also give us the required assessment with regard to the functioning and state of cardiac valve areas, any abnormalities in the heart, valvular regurgitation, or blood leaking from valves, and it can show how well the heart pumps out blood.

It can also be used to:

·        examine the walls of blood vessels

·        check for DVT or an aneurysm

·        check fetal heart and heartbeat

·        evaluate for plaque buildup and clots

·        assess for blockages or narrowing of arteries

Ultrasound has various forms. One such form is carotid ultra-sonography that may include a Doppler ultrasound. This would reveal how blood cells move through the carotid arteries.

Ultrasound in anesthesiology

Ultrasound has been a test of choice for the anesthetists to guide a needle with anesthetic solutions near nerves.

Ultrasound in emergency medicine

Some other common uses of ultrasound test in various conditions include:

·        traumatic injuries

·        pericardial tamponade

·        fluid buildup around the heart

·        hemoperitoneum, or blood leakage in the abdomen

Abdominal sonography

For abdominal gastroenterology, the method of ultrasound is used by the gastroenterologist to get the images of the spleen, kidneys, bile ducts, gall bladder, liver, aorta, inferior vena cava, pancreas, and other solid organs located in the abdomen.

The evaluation for suspected gallstones or inflammation of the gall bladder, known as cholecystitis is also done by the help of ultrasound.

It can detect if the appendix is swollen or inflamed, which would suggest appendicitis. Blood work would confirm an infection.

But in cases there is an accumulation of fat in the body or gas formation in the bowel; it may block the ultrasound waves at times thereby causing difficulties in diagnosis.

Newborn infants

The Ultrasound test can be performed by a sonographer by placing the probe on the i.e. the soft spot on the top of the skull.

This helps in detecting any sort of abnormalities such as

·        hydrocehalus,

·        periventricular leukomalacia, a form of white-matter brain injury.

With the fontanelle growing smaller in time, it leads to the production of bad quality images.

Obstetric ultrasonography

Ultrasound devices release high-frequency sound waves from the transducer which helps in getting the images of the internal part of the body in conditions like pregnancy.

Ultrasound is part of standard prenatal care. They collect the images of the fetus or embryo in the uterus.

Obstetric ultrasonography can reveal various aspects of both fetal and maternal health. It can also help doctors assess the progress of the pregnancy.

The device known as transducer is typically placed on the mother's abdomen. But some special conditions require the device to be placed in the vagina.

A transvaginal scan provides the most detailed pictures of early pregnancy and it is considered to be a better option if the mother has obesity.

Doppler sonography shows the fetal heartbeat. It equally comes in handy as a test that finds out the signs of abnormalities in the heart and blood vessels.

Ultrasound and urology

·        In urology, ultrasound can check:

·        how much urine remains in the bladder after urinating

·        the exact conditions of the critical organ's health like those of the pelvic region, including the uterus and testicles

In young, adult males, ultrasound can distinguish different types of swelling from testicular cancer.

Pelvic sonographies can be internal or external.

In cases of the male, the internal sonogram is done by inserting the device into the rectum. The same device is inserted into vagina of the female.

This can provide information about the prostate gland, ovaries, or uterus.

The ultrasound in delhi done for the pelvic floor to assist the doctors in correct diagnosis and to ascertain the extent of conditions like a pelvic prolapse, incontinence or obstructed defecation.

Musculoskeletal Sonography

Ultrasound can be further used for the examinations of the ligaments, bone surfaces, soft tissue masses, nerves, muscles, and tendons.

What to Expect

An ultrasound is done at the Ultrasound clinic under the guidance of a specialist and a doctor. Usually these scans do not take more than 20 to 60 seconds. It is a painless scan and creates no noise.

·        By and large there is no special preparation needed. In most cases, no special preparation is needed, but patients may feel the necessity to wear loose-fitting and comfortable clothing.

·        If a person is suffering liver or gallbladder condition, the patient may have to fast for several hours before the procedure.

·        In early stage pregnancy scan situations, the patient is required to drink plenty of water and try to avoid urinating for some time prior to the test.

·        The scan produces better images of the uterus when the bladder is full.

·        The scan usually takes place in the radiology department of a hospital. A doctor or a specially-trained sonographer will carry out the test.

External Ultrasound

The sonographer puts a lubricating gel onto the patient's skin and places a transducer over the lubricated skin.

·        The transducer is then moved on the part of the body needing examination. The common examples are those of a patient's heart or a fetus in the uterus.

·        The patient is unlikely to feel any discomfort or pain. They would merely feel the transducer moving over the skin.

·        During pregnancy, a slight discomfort is caused because of the full bladder.

Internal Ultrasound

If there is a need for an evaluation of an internal organ for a possible abnormality or pain, the transducer would be placed in the rectum for a man and in the vagina for a woman. The parts of the digestive system, for instance the esophagus, the chest lymph nodes, or the stomach, an endoscope may be used.

·        For obtaining the images of the internal organs, the ultrasound device is attached to the end of the endoscope along with a light and inserted into the patient's body through the mouth.

·        For any case in which the patient is suffering from pain, the doctors may provide medication to release the pain.

·        Internal ultrasound scans are less comfortable than external ones with a slight risk of internal bleeding.

Safety

As it has been clear thus far, most of the ultrasound is noninvasive involving no ionizing radiation exposure. The procedure is believed to be very safe. However, since the long-term risks are not established, unnecessary "keepsake" scans during pregnancy are not encouraged. Ultrasound during pregnancy is recommended only it has been called for medically.

Since the test uses a coat of latex on the body part requiring ultrasound. Therefore the person who is allergic to latex should notify the doctors about the same.

Cost of the Ultrasound Scan

Ultrasound is no more a single dimensional scan. With the availability of latest technology, it is now very easy to generate multidimensional images. Currently we can get 3d ultrasoundas well as 4D ultrasoundin the reputed labs in India. The 3d ultrasound cost in delhi as well as 4D  ultrasound cost in delhi  starts from INR 840, this includes the scan report of any one region. However if there is a necessity of going for a 3d or 4d ultrasound with level II then the ultrasound cost would beINR 8000.

To choose for the best diagnostic labs for these tests, it is important to get in touch with the best labs which are also NABL accredited. Besides planning your important diagnostic and pathological test, you can also plan your surgery with the help of such health portals.

What is an ultrasound?

Ultrasound is a test that has been largely associated with pregnancy. It is rather a common sight to carry out ultrasound test in the hospitals with ultrasound laboratory in Delhi in order to find out the gender of the baby and also to identify the anomalies or birth defects early on. But fetal imaging is only one of the common uses for ultrasounds.

How does the procedure work?

An ultrasound can develop a live image of the inside of the body using sound waves in an ultrasound lab in Delhi. This is done by using a tool called a transducer which produces high frequency sounds that human ears cannot process and then uses the echoes to discover all the information about the organs and tissues inside. This information is then shown on a computer screen. It takes a trained ultrasound technician to be able to perform the test properly. Once the test is done, a radiologist or doctor can interpret the images in order to diagnose conditions.

What is an ultrasound used for?

An ultrasound has many different uses, but here are the most common:

1. Pregnancy: In the beginning of the pregnancy an ultrasound image can be used to confirm pregnancy and reveal due dates. As the pregnancy progresses it can be used to determine the presence of twins and reveal the gender of the baby. And ultrasound can also be used to find out any problems like birth defects, breech positioning, ectopic pregnancies, issues with the placenta, and more.​
2. Diagnostics: Ultrasound imaging is often used to find out issues that include the heart and blood vessels, gallbladder, kidneys, bladder, ovaries, uterus, liver and basically any organ inside the body. This procedure is also used to perform a thyroid biopsy or a breast biopsy to determine if there is a presence of cancer. Doctors also use this imaging to help guide the biopsy needle through the skin to a very precise area in order to retrieve tissue to test.

What are the different types of ultrasound?

Most of the time an ultrasound can be successfully done using the transducer on top of skin. However, if this does not produce a clear picture the technician use a special transducer in one of the body's openings.

What are the benefits of ultrasound?

• They are painless and do not require needles or incisions, although the transducer wand can sometimes be uncomfortable.​
• There is no use of radiation which makes these tests safer than X-rays, CT scans or an MRI. There are absolutely no harmful side effects.​
• Soft tissues don't show it very well in the next day but very clearly in an ultrasound image.​
  They are easily accessible and cost less and other techniques.​

What is expected during ultrasound?

At times the doctor may issue instructions such is not eating or drinking or wearing lotion or perfume before the test. You may need to drink several glasses if your bladder needs to be full. You will also be given a gown for wearing so that the ultrasound technician can easily maneuver the transducer in the area which will be screened.

You will be down on the bed and the ultrasound tech will use a water-based gel so that the transducer can make contact with the skin without allowing for any air between; the measurements, notes, and still images maybe taken during the process.

While an MRI can take up to two hours, an ultrasound can take anywhere from 10 minutes to about one hour. You will be awake and alert for the entire process, and the technician will often be able to show you on the computer what they are seeing.

How much will an ultrasound cost?

There are two things that need to be considered while getting a fair idea as to what the ultrasound cost in Delhi is. The first point is of course the fact that it depends mostly on the part of the body which has to be examined in the ultrasound test. Next, given the fact that India is a diverse country multi-tier facility like super specialty hospitals and nursing homes, the prices vary. Ideally, the cost of ultrasound ranges between INR 500 and 3200.