Introduction to Ultrasound Test

What is an ultrasound test?

Sonography, often known as ultrasound testing, is a non-invasive medical procedure that produces live images of the body's soft tissues, blood arteries, and internal organs. It clicks the pictures using high-frequency sound waves. We refer to these pictures as "sonograms." The majority of ultrasounds are performed with an external device. It is ideal for a variety of diagnostic applications, including pregnancy and other medical issues, because it doesn't require any hazardous radiation. You are looking for qualified experts to decode these images when you search for "ultrasound diagnostic centre near me."

Test Details

Also Known as	Sonography or Ultrasonography
Purpose	To make pictures of the inside of the body using high-frequency sound waves, primarily for medical and diagnostic reasons.
Preparation	Wearing clothes that are comfortable and maybe following dietary restrictions or directions related to filling the bladder
Fasting	Not required generally, except for any specific type of scan
Test Time Duration	On average, 20 to 45 minutes
Get Reports Within	Between 1 and 2 hours

What does an ultrasound test detect?

Sonography, another name for ultrasound, is a highly adaptable medical imaging method that produces real-time images of the inside of the body structures using high-frequency sound waves. Here are the details of the things that an ultrasound detects:

Ultrasound detects pregnancies, monitors fetal development and complexities during pregnancy.
Issues with the nerves, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. It can assist in locating anomalies in these tissues, such as inflammation and rips.
Examine the kidneys, bladder, thyroid, pancreas, spleen, liver, gallbladder, and other organs. It can assist in the diagnosis of diseases such as pancreatic cysts, liver illness, kidney stones, and gallstones.
Doppler ultrasonography can measure blood flow and detect blood vessel constriction, blockages, and other anomalies.
Tumors and other abnormal growths can be detected by ultrasound.
Ultrasound can be used to assess bone health.
Finding foreign things in soft tissues can be aided by it.
Ultrasound can be used to guide biopsies, diagnostic and therapeutic pleural & peritoneal taps and other treatments, as well as to inspect the thyroid and breast tumors.

Types of Ultrasound Tests

Here is the list of different types of ultrasound tests and their uses:

Type of Ultrasound Test	Specific Uses (What does it detect?)
Obstetric Ultrasound (Pregnancy Scan)	Confirm pregnancy and gestational age; monitor fetal growth & development; 3D/4D views for enhanced visualisation; assess placental health and amniotic fluid volume; determine fetal position.
Abdominal Ultrasound	Detect fatty liver, cirrhosis, cysts, tumours, and hepatitis; identify gallstones, inflammation (cholecystitis), and polyps; investigate unexplained abdominal pain; guide biopsies or fluid drainage; check the pancreas and spleen.
Pelvic Ultrasound	Detect uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, endometriosis, PCOS, etc.; evaluate prostate enlargement (BPH) or suspicious masses, often guiding biopsies; assess for bladder stones, tumours, or incomplete emptying; investigate abnormal bleeding or chronic pelvic pain.
Doppler Ultrasound	Measure the speed and direction of blood flow through arteries and veins; crucial for diagnosing Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) in the legs or other vascular clots; identify narrowed or blocked arteries (stenosis); detect and monitor abnormal bulges in blood vessels; monitor blood flow to organs; fetal Doppler in pregnancy.
Thyroid Ultrasound	Examine thyroid gland size and shape; identify and characterise nodules or cysts; evaluate inflammation or infection; used to assess suspicious nodules and guide fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) for biopsy; monitor changes over time.

How to prepare for an ultrasound test?

Most ultrasounds do not require anything to be prepared in advance. It is possible only in some specific cases, particularly related to abdominal and pelvic organs, that dietary restrictions and the need for a full gallbladder may be required. Your health care professional will guide you with tailored instructions to prepare for the ultrasound. Here are some general guidelines to follow before going for the test:

Wear loose-fitting and comfortable clothing.
Remove jewellery, if any, before going for the scan.
The healthcare provider will give specific instructions depending on the type of ultrasound test.
Arrive at least 20 minutes before the scheduled time.
Carry your medical history records, records of previous investigations and medications as suggested by a healthcare professional.

Particular Preparation for Ultrasound:

Abdominal Ultrasound: For abdominal ultrasounds (such as those of the gallbladder, liver, spleen, or pancreas), you might be requested to fast (not eat or drink) for a few hours prior to the scan, usually eight to twelve hours.
Pelvic Ultrasound: You could be told to fill your bladder with multiple glasses of water before undergoing a pelvic ultrasound (such as one that examines the female reproductive system, the urinary tract, or pregnancy).
Other Ultrasounds: No special preparation may be required for certain ultrasounds, such as those of the musculoskeletal or thyroid systems.

What is the procedure for the ultrasound test?

A transducer, which resembles a wand, is dragged across the skin during the process to emit sound waves that reflect off the interior organs and tissues. The ultrasound equipment subsequently processes these reflected waves to produce images that are shown on a screen. Here is a breakdown of the procedure:

A specific gel will be placed on the skin of the exposed body part, which will be evaluated. Without being obstructed by air, this gel facilitates the passage of sound waves through the skin and into the body.
A radiologist (specialist doctor) holds the transducer and glides it over the skin to emit sound waves.
Sound waves enter the body through the gel and bounce off various organs and tissues.
The transducer picks up the reflected sound waves, which the ultrasound machine processes. Using the data from these echoes, the machine generates visuals that are shown on a screen.
Radiologists interpret the pictures to assist in the diagnosis of illnesses or to track the state of a tissue or organ.

Who should get an ultrasound test?

Ultrasound examinations are advised to guide biopsies, diagnose illnesses like gallbladder disease or blood flow problems, monitor fetal development during pregnancy, and check for breast lumps. While ultrasounds are frequently utilized during pregnancy, they are also helpful for a variety of other monitoring and diagnostic applications.

18-22 weeks pregnant women.
Your doctor might prescribe an ultrasound if you have discomfort, swelling, or other symptoms that call for an internal view of your organs.
An abdominal ultrasound may be used to test for aortic aneurysms in men 65 to 75 years of age who have smoked or have a family history of the condition.
People in need of procedural guidance for therapeutic injections, aspirations, biopsies, and catheter placement.
Infants and newborns undergoing spinal assessments, hip screenings, and brain scans.
People with musculoskeletal injuries and other suspected or confirmed medical conditions.

Are there any side effects of an ultrasound test?

Ultrasound uses sound waves, not harmful X-ray radiation, so most people have not observed any such side effects. However, some people, especially those undergoing internal ultrasounds, may experience mild pain or discomfort during the process.

What are the risks associated with an ultrasound test?

Even though ultrasonography is generally regarded as a safe diagnostic technique with rare complications usually related to underlying medical conditions and with no known dangers,

There is a chance of false-positive or false-negative results, and it might not always be successful at imaging certain regions (such as those with gas or bone).
The insertion and movement of an internal probe may result in some short-term pressure or discomfort, even when done carefully and lubricated.
The ultrasonic gel may cause mild, transient skin irritation in people with highly sensitive skin.

Conclusion: Your Trusted Partner in Diagnostic Imaging

Our medical centre is committed to providing the best ultrasound services possible, including both conventional sonography and cutting-edge 3D/4D imaging. For your diagnostic imaging requirements, we are the best option because of our dedication to state-of-the-art equipment, skilled staff, patient-centred care, and affordable prices. If you have any questions about preparing for your ultrasound test, please do not hesitate to contact our USG Lab in Udaipur. We are here to ensure your experience is as smooth and comfortable as possible.

Note: We offer affordable USG and Sonography Test options at Medicentre — contact the centre for package details and same-day appointments.

FAQs

Which is the best diagnostic centre for ultrasound in Udaipur?
Medicentre Sonography and Clinical Lab is the best diagnostic centre for ultrasound in Udaipur.
Is ultrasound safe for pregnant women?
Yes. It is considered safe for both mothers and babies.
Do I need to fast before an ultrasound?
It is generally not required but it is recommended that you ask the clinician.
How should I prepare for an abdominal ultrasound?
Wear loose-fitting clothes, and follow the provider's instructions.
How long does an ultrasound take?
It takes around 20 minutes to 45 minutes.
Can I get a same-day appointment in Udaipur?
Yes, you can get an appointment for the same day.
When will I receive my ultrasound report?
You will get the reports in 1 to 2 hours.
What is the cost of an ultrasound in Udaipur?
The cost of an ultrasound in Udaipur ranges from ₹ 380 to ₹ 4500 depending on type or organ involved.
Is Doppler ultrasound also available at your centre?
Yes, it is available in our centre.

3d/4d Sonography