How Do Ultrasound Scans Work

1. How Do Ultrasound Scans Work? Sound waves bounce back when they strike an object. By measuring these echoes, it is possible to determine how far away the object is, its size, shape, and whether it is solid or filled with fluid. Ultrasound scans, or sonography, are safe because they use sound waves or echoes to make an image instead of radiation. Ultrasound scans are used to evaluate fetal development, and they can detect problems in the liver, heart, kidney, or abdomen. They may also assist in performing certain types of biopsies. What Is the Purpose of an Ultrasound Transducer? An ultrasound Transducer is a device that produces sound waves that bounce off body tissues and generate echoes. The transducer receives the echoes and sends them to a computer that uses them to create a picture called a sonogram. Transducers (probes) come in different shapes and sizes for making pictures of different parts of the body. They are made with piezoelectric crystals, which are ideal for ultrasound machine shop.

2. When the sound waves emitted by the device hit the body, they bounce back and hit the probe again. Thus, the pressure of the returning sound waves causes the crystals to change shape, creating an electrical charge which is transmitted to the ultrasound machine. Doppler ultrasound helps the doctor to see and evaluate:  blockages to blood flow (such as clots)  narrowing of vessels  tumors and congenital vascular malformations  reduced or absent blood flow to various organs, such as the testes or ovaries  increased blood flow, which may be a sign of infection

3. Fast Facts on Ultrasound Scans  Ultrasound scans are safe and widely used.  They are used for diagnosis or treatment.  The doctors usually check the progress of the pregnancy using ultrasound.  No special preparation is necessary before an ultrasound scan. What is Ultrasound Doppler? In conventional ultrasound imaging, thin, flat body sections are displayed. Doppler ultrasound studies may be performed as part of an ultrasound examination. Doppler ultrasound measures how materials move within the body. There are only three types of Ultrasound Doppler:  Color Doppler- Uses a computer to convert Doppler measurements into an array of colors to represent the speed and direction of blood flow through a blood vessel.  Power Doppler- A recent technique that is more sensitive than color Doppler and capable of providing greater detail of blood flow, especially when blood flow is minimal. Power Doppler, however, does not help the radiologist determine the direction of blood flow, which may be necessary in some situations.  Spectral Doppler- Displays blood flow measurements graphically, regarding the distance traveled per unit of time, rather than as a color picture. It can also convert blood flow information into a distinctive sound that can be heard with every heartbeat. Applications of Ultrasound Scanning Ultrasound is used for:  Biopsy procedures, which involve the removal of cells from abnormal areas of the body for laboratory analysis,  Assessing the damage caused by a heart attack and diagnosing cardiac conditions, such as valve problems and congestive heart failure. Ultrasound machines give doctors images of what's happening inside the body and monitor the pregnancy process or the heart's health. Advanced ultrasound transducer designs have allowed doctors to create diagnoses using three-dimensional ultrasound images. Multiple angles are captured using an array of transducers, resulting in a complete picture. Thus, Ultrasonography can be a precious tool in medical treatment and diagnosis. Visit at: - www.uscultrasound.com