Uses Of Ultrasound

• Confirmation of a viable pregnancy and assessment of progress during the same.

• Detection of developmental/ structural abnormalities in the fetus
• Diagnosis of gallbladder disease/ obstruction
• Evaluation of blood flow in blood vessels

• Assessment of the thyroid gland in your neck
• Evaluation of the heart and diagnosis of cardiac problems
• Revealing the presence of infection in a specific area of the body
• Determination of abnormal structures/ growth in a particular area
  
  Example: Cysts, abnormal growth, tumor etc.
• Revealing abnormalities in the reproductive organs

In some cases, certain invasive procedures can be performed under ultrasound guidance. For example, if there is a large fluid collection within the kidney, it can be drained through a small puncture made through the skin.

A majority of the ultrasound examinations are non invasive. However, in some cases, the ultrasound transducer may be inserted into an existing/natural opening in your body to get additional information.

Transrectal ultrasound:

The transducer is inserted into a man's rectum to view the prostate.

Transvaginal ultrasound:

The transducer is inserted into a woman's vagina to view the uterus and ovaries.

Transesophageal echocardiogram:

The transducer is inserted in your esophagus to obtain images of the heart.