Advanced Ultrasound Centre in Delhi

Eligibility For Ultrasound

Ultrasound is widely used and suitable for many people. However, your doctor will confirm if it’s the right diagnostic test for your condition.

You may be eligible for an ultrasound scan if:

• You are experiencing unexplained pain, swelling, or infection.
• You are pregnant and need routine monitoring.
• You have known health conditions requiring imaging follow-up.
• You require evaluation for organ function or abnormalities.
• Your doctor suspects issues with blood flow, joints, or internal organs.

What is the Procedure for Ultrasound?

The ultrasound procedure is simple, safe, and quick. Here’s what you can expect:

• A radiologist or technician will explain the scan and ask you to lie on an exam table.
• A special gel will be applied to your skin over the area to be examined.
• A small handheld device (transducer) will be moved gently over the area.
• The device sends sound waves and captures images, which appear on a screen.
• The process takes around 20–30 minutes.
• After the scan, the gel is wiped off, and you can resume normal activities.

Post-Procedure Care After Ultrasound

Ultrasound procedures do not usually require any recovery time. However, here’s what you should know:

• Resume daily activities – You can return to work or normal routine immediately.
• Follow-up with your doctor – Discuss the results and next steps based on your report.
• Drink fluids if required – If fasting was involved, drink water or have a light snack afterwards.
• Ask about further tests – Depending on the findings, your doctor may recommend more diagnostic tests.
• Keep a copy of the report – Useful for future comparisons or follow-ups.
• Discuss treatment plans – If any issues are detected, your doctor will suggest appropriate treatments.
• Rest if you feel discomfort – Though rare, some patients may feel mild discomfort or dizziness after lying still.

Advantages of Ultrasound

• Non-invasive – Ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging technique that does not require any incisions or injections, making it a safer option for patients compared to other diagnostic methods.
• No radiation – Unlike X-rays or CT scans, ultrasound does not use harmful radiation, making it a safer choice, especially for pregnant women and young children.
• Real-time imaging – Ultrasound provides real-time images, which allows healthcare professionals to monitor and assess conditions immediately, such as during the monitoring of pregnancies or guiding needle placement for biopsies.
• Quick and accessible – Ultrasound scans are generally quicker to perform than other imaging techniques, and the equipment is more widely available, making it a convenient option for both patients and healthcare providers.
• Minimal side effects – Ultrasound is generally safe with very few side effects, making it suitable for frequent use in medical settings, such as monitoring chronic conditions or during prenatal care.
• Cost-effective – Compared to other imaging methods, ultrasound is relatively low-cost, making it an affordable diagnostic tool for many patients and healthcare systems.

Disadvantages of Ultrasound

• Limited depth penetration – Ultrasound may not be suitable for imaging deeper structures or organs in the body, as its effectiveness diminishes with greater tissue depth.
• Image quality limitations – The quality of ultrasound images can be affected by factors such as body type (e.g., obesity), patient movement, or the skill of the operator, which may lead to less accurate results compared to other imaging methods.
• Operator dependence – The accuracy of ultrasound results depends heavily on the skill and experience of the technician or clinician performing the scan, which may lead to variability in diagnosis.
• Limited in certain conditions – While ultrasound is effective for soft tissue imaging, it may not be as useful for diagnosing conditions related to bones, air-filled organs, or certain complex medical issues that require advanced imaging like MRI or CT.
• Not suitable for all patients – Certain patients, such as those with very high body fat or gas-filled organs, may not be ideal candidates for ultrasound, as the quality of images may be compromised.
• Possible discomfort – Though painless, some ultrasound procedures (such as transvaginal or transrectal ultrasound) can cause temporary discomfort or inconvenience to the patient.