A Guide to Understanding the Different Types of Ultrasounds
Ultrasound waves create images of the inside of the body. There are different types of ultrasounds that can medical professionals use depending on what part of the body needs to be examined.
When you’re trying to fit your doctor’s appointment into a busy schedule, a long ultrasound wait can feel like a nightmare! To save time, it’s handy to be familiar with the different types of ultrasounds that don’t require as much setup.
Take a look at this guide to know the ultrasound types.
Table of Contents
Pregnancy Scan
A pregnancy scan is a type of ultrasound that is used to create images of a developing baby. This type of ultrasound is usually done around the 20th week of pregnancy.
Medical ultrasound can check the growth and development of the baby during pregnancy. You can search for specific conditions, such as Down Syndrome, or look for various abnormalities.
Diagnostic Ultrasound Scans
A diagnostic ultrasound scan can diagnose a medical condition. This type of scan is usually performed by a radiologist or a sonographer.
There are different types of scans that capture images of the inside of the body. Some of them are here below. Let’s have a look at them!
Therapeutic Ultrasound Scan
A therapeutic ultrasound scan is used to treat a medical condition. This type of scan is usually performed by a physical therapist.
Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram is a type of ultrasound that creates an image of the heart. It is a non-invasive procedure that can diagnose heart conditions.
The ultrasound waves create an image of the heart, which allows the doctor to evaluate the function of the heart and look for any abnormalities.
Abdominal Scan
This type of ultrasound scan uses a transducer that is placed on the abdomen and moved around to capture images of the organs in the abdomen. The images are then displayed on a monitor for the doctor to view.
Thyroid Scan
A thyroid scan is a diagnostic ultrasound that assesses the structure and function of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped endocrine gland that is located in the neck.
The thyroid gland produces thyroid hormone, which is responsible for regulating the body’s metabolism.
Transvaginal Scan
A transvaginal scan is a type of ultrasound that can be used to look at the female reproductive organs, including the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. This type of ultrasound is usually done to check for problems with fertility.
Point-Of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS)
POCUS is a medical test that can help diagnose a variety of conditions, such as blood clots, internal bleeding, gallstones, and heart and lung problems.
POCUS is a simple procedure, but medical professionals should undergo a point of care ultrasound training before performing the scan.
Learn More About the Types of Ultrasounds
Ultrasounds are a vital tool in diagnosing and monitoring many medical conditions.
There are many different types of ultrasound exams, each with its own purpose. It is important to understand the different types of ultrasounds and their uses in order to make the best decisions for your health.
Remember these tips so when you visit your doctor for a check-up, you’ll be familiar with the type of ultrasound your body needs.
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