​What is Ultrasound?

An ultrasound scan uses high frequency sound waves which are transmitted into the body when a scanning probe is placed on the skin. This enables the ultrasound machine to produce live real-time images of your internal organs.

Ultrasound is commonly used to scan the organs and blood vessels in the body to detect abnormalities. Ultrasound scans can also assess the abnormalities in the muscles, tendons and ligaments. Ultrasound of the breast is often used as an initial or early diagnostic tool to assess the size and shape of breast lumps, and to determine whether they are potential tissue growths or fluid-filled cysts.

Is Ultrasound Safe?

Ultrasound is one of the safest imaging techniques as it does not involve radiation. It is always the first imaging technique to be considered for pregnant women.

Examples of US Scans:

• Ultrasound of the liver to diagnose gallstones and kidney stones.
  
• Contrast enhanced ultrasound involves usage of microparticles to characterise liver or kidney tumours.
• Doppler ultrasound uses sound waves to detect blood flow and direction, and can be used to check for blockage in the blood vessels among other uses.