A USG Test or an Ultrasound scan, also known as sonograhy, is type of medical test that uses high frequency sound waves to capture live images of the internal organs of our body. The technology is more or less similar to the use of sonar and the radar which is used by military forces to detect the presence of ships and planes. Any anomalies that have occurred in the organs of the body, the vessels and the tissues can be easily detected without the need of surgery. Unlike some other tests, USG tests do not use any radiation like CT scans or X- rays and hence it is the safest method for detecting the growth of fetus in a pregnant woman.
When is the USG Test usually performed?
Apart from pregnancy, the USG scan can be used for detecting many other illnesses as well. However, it is most prevalent test for capturing the first images of an unborn child. Mostly, doctors recommend this test when they feel any internal organ has undergone swelling or a patient is complaining of any internal pain. The test is likewise performed to take the images of bladder, kidneys, brain of an infant, liver, ovaries, thyroid, pancreas, spleen, testicles, gallbladder, uterus, and blood vessels. It is also often used in biopsies.
Some additional information regarding USG- preparations to be taken
The preparation for an USG test by the patient will depend on the organ that he or she has to test and the doctor will inform the patient about it. The patient might be required to fast 8 to 12 hours before the ultrasound, especially if any organ around the abdomen has to be tested. This precaution is necessary to prevent the undigested food particles from blocking the sound waves. For those who have to get an imaging of the gallbladder, pancreas, liver or spleen, it is necessary to continue drinking water and the ideal situation is to drink lots of water and hold the urine for the best images. It is also important to let the doctor know of any medicines or prescription drugs that the patient might be taking.
How is a USG performed?
The sonographer applies a special lubricating gel on the body part of the patient undergoing the test. This is to help the ultrasound transducer- which looks like a microphone- to move smoothly over the body and prevent any friction and also to help transmit the sound waves better.
The transducer emits high frequency sound waves, which are too high for the human ear to deduce, and when they hit dense object like an organ or a bone, the echoes are reflected back to a computer and an image is formed. The entire procedure should take a maximum of 30 minutes after which the patient can renew all the regular activities.
The doctor will review the images and recommend further tests if needed. Portea Medical Services has some of the best sonographers who will help with USG testing for accurate imaging.