Private Ultrasound Scans Are More Than Just for Pregnancy

When many people hear the word ultrasound, the first thought that comes to mind is pregnancy. However, a private ultrasound scan can be very beneficial in many applications unrelated to pregnancy. It is a useful tool that can be used for many different scenarios.

An ultrasound is a primarily non-invasive scan. The scan uses high frequency sound waves that bounce of organs, tissue and other body structures. This produces an image that is viewable on a monitor. The sound waves are unable to be heard by the human ear.

An ultrasound scan can be ordered by a doctor to investigate causes of pain in areas such as the pelvic and abdominal region. Organs in the abdominal area such as the liver, pancreas, spleen and gallbladder can be examined using this method. Ultrasound scans of the pelvic area can assist in determining causes of bleeding and pain. This diagnostic tool is able to identify ovarian cysts, pelvic masses, fibroids and other conditions visible in the pelvic region.

Being able to quickly diagnose abnormalities can give patients peace of mind. Using this type of procedure, a treatment course can be started based on the findings of such scans. Some of these treatment plans can include surgical removal of masses, exploratory surgery or monitoring.

Doppler ultrasounds are routinely used to find blood clots, blocked blood vessels and evaluate blood flow. It can identify the presence of plaque in the arteries. The value of these types of tests is quite high as it allows the doctors to identify potential problems, quickly find the source of discomfort or inform of potential serious health concerns.

There is generally no discomfort for the patient when having this procedure done. There may be certain requirements to prepare for the test depending on the type of ultrasound being done. The test will be administered by a specially trained individual done typically in an ultrasound room. The area being examined will determine the position the patient. The patient will be asked to remain as still as possible during the entire procedure. A gel is applied to the skin of the area being examined. This gel is used to provide the ultrasound probe the ability to move freely and aids in the transmission of sound waves.

There are many uses for a private ultrasound scan that are very beneficial for patient and doctor alike. This technology provides health care providers with the ability to quickly investigate an area then determine and diagnose any health issues in a very short time. It can allow the doctors to quickly develop a treatment course and help prevent further discomfort or pain.

For further information on pregnancy, well being and private health scans, visit Ultrasound Direct who can provide a private ultrasound scan across a number of clinics throughout the UK.

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What Can a Private Ultrasound Scan Show You?

The utilization of ultrasound as a diagnostic tool continues to become more popular as the technology improves to produce incredibly detailed images. Ultrasound is commonly used in imaging during pregnancy as it poses no side effect or danger to the mother and the foetus. Ultrasound is also vital in the diagnosis of certain irregularities, diseases, and other pathologies.

Diagnostic ultrasound works by using a probe placed directly on the skin that is covered with a gel to permit close contact. This allows the sonographer the ability to easily glide the probe over the parts of the body being examined. The probe then transmits high frequency sound waves into the areas of interest. These sound waves then bounce off the structures being examined, and reflect back to sensors within the probe where it is then analysed in 'real time' by the ultrasound machine. Millions of echoes and pulses are being sent each second so the entire exam can be viewed as a type of movie. Highlights are recorded and still shots of the area being scrutinized are precisely measured for comparison to what is considered normal, and what may represent a concern.

Most women have their first ultrasound during pregnancy around the fourth month. This is to insure that the foetus is healthy and to ease anxiety in the new mother-to-be. Private scans in a more intimate setting, such as a doctor's office or free standing clinic provide a more comfortable and less stressful environment for expectant women. The newer 3D and 4D ultrasound machines deliver excellent surface rendering imaging of the foetus, and have a greater capacity to detect possible birth defects such as spina bifida, cleft palate, or other more subtle abnormalities.

Ultrasound is also used to accurately visualize, diagnose and address other physical issues that are pathologically related. Uterine fibroids (benign tumours in the uterus), ovarian cysts and pelvic masses can all be visualized, and then analysed to determine if further steps such as surgery, need to be taken. The renal tract can be accurately scanned for kidney stones, and the thyroid gland for growths and cysts. Ultrasonic waves can detect the differences in suspicious growths by determining whether they are cystic (most probably benign), or dense and solid in composition.

Doppler ultrasound imaging is invaluable in determining arterial blockage, extent of the blockage and in measuring blood flow. Areas that are most susceptible to plaque build up and blockage, and are routinely examined using Doppler ultrasound are the common carotid artery, the internal carotid artery and the vertebral artery. With private scans using Doppler ultrasound, a critical diagnosis will most likely be made on the spot, and actions taken immediately instead of precariously waiting days or possibly weeks for the test results.

For further information on pregnancy, well being and private scans, visit Ultrasound Direct who provide pregnancy scans across a number of clinics throughout the UK.

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