Thursday, December 11, 2008

Ultrasound Imaging







Ultrasound Imaging
How does it work?
Also called ultrasound scanning or sonography, this technology is essentially informed of solar that uses sound wave above the range of human hearing. When the waves reaches a boundary where there is a change in tissue density that the surface of an organ, for example- an Echo results. A computer analysis the echo, revealing two or three dimensional features of the organs, such as it depth, size, shape and consistency. No frequency waves enable the imaging of deeper part of the body; Ultrahigh frequencies permit the study of surface organs such as the eye and the layers of skin, perhaps assisting in the diagnosis of skin cancer.
In most instances, the examiner uses the handheld device called a transducer. After applying a clear gel to the skin, he robs the transducer over the area of interest, and the resulting image immediately shows up on a computer screen. When necessary a small transducer can be attached to a probe and inserted into a natural opening inn the body to make certain internal examination possible.
A Technologist called Doppler Ultrasound is sensitive to movement and is used to reveal blood flow. This, in turn can be helpful when making diagnosis involving other and tumors, which tends to have an abnormally large amount of blood vessel.
Ultrasound imaging helps physicians to diagnose and array of conditions and to the discern the underlying course of symptoms from heart-value disorder to lumps in the breast of the status of an unborn infant. On the other hand, because ultrasound waves are reflected by gas, the technology has limitations when applied to certain part of the abdomen. Also, the resolution may not be as high as that of the other technologies such as radiography.

Risks: Even though ultrasound is generally safe when used properly, it is inform of energy and can produce physical effect on tissue including those of the unborn. Prenatal ultrasound therefore should not be considered risk free.

Benefits: the technology is widely available, noninvasive, and relatively inexpensive. It also provides real-time imaging.

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