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Ultrasound (US)

What is Ultrasound?

An ultrasound scan involves the transmission of high frequency sound waves into the body, while a scanning probe is placed on the skin to receive sound waves that are reflected from organs within the body. This enables the ultrasound machine to produce real-time images of your internal organs.

Ultrasound scans are commonly used to scan the organs and blood vessels in the body to detect abnormalities. These scans can also assess abnormalities in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Breast ultrasound scans are 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 scans are one of the safest imaging techniques as it does not involve radiation. It is even safe for pregnant women and is usually the first choice for them.


Examples of US Scans:

  • Abdominal ultrasound is commonly used to check for gallstones and kidney stones
  • Doppler ultrasound measures blood flow in arteries and veins, detecting blockages or narrowing in the blood vessels
  • Contrast enhanced ultrasound uses microbubble contrast agents to characterise lesion or evaluate vascular abnormalities. The contrast agents used are safe for patients with renal impairment