Ultrasound

Ultrasound or sonography is an imaging test that uses high-frequency sound waves that echo and create pictures of organs or structures inside the body. Ultrasounds are safe and commonly used in all stages of pregnancy, and even with newborn babies. Some uses are:

Cranial ultrasound in children under 2 years old, to detect abnormalities inside the skull through the part that has yet to close, called the open fontanelles.

Neck Ultrasound used to detect abnormalities in thyroid glands, salivary glands, parotid glands, lymph nodes, carotid arteries, and lumps in the neck.

Chest ultrasound used to examine organs inside the chest cavity, such as the pleural fluid, lesions, or any abnormal growth.

Abdominal ultrasound used to detect abnormalities or diagnose lesions in the abdomen.

Others used to detect abnormalities and diagnose lesions in soft tissues such as muscles, breasts, legs, large blood vessels, Doppler ultrasound to observe rate of blood flow through the vessels, and any deep vein thrombosis, etc.

How to prepare for procedure

Cranial ultrasound – No preparation necessary, though sedation may be advised in some cases.

Neck and chest ultrasound – No preparation necessary.

Abdominal area:

Upper abdomen ultrasound - avoid eating and drinking for at least 6-8 hours prior to getting an ultrasound. In children, avoid 1 meal or milk before procedure, for image clarity especially of the gall bladder.

Lower abdomen ultrasound – no fasting necessary (unless otherwise directed by physician), drink lots of water 3 hours before appointment and avoid emptying bladder for image clarity, especially the uterus and other organs in the pelvic cavity.

Whole abdomen ultrasound – avoid eating and drinking at least 6-8 hours prior to getting an ultrasound. Drink lots of water 3 hours before appointment and avoid emptying bladder until after the scan.

Other parts – no preparation necessary.

Suggestions:

• It is advised to fast (N.P.O. = Nothing per Oral) at least 6-8 hours before ultrasound appointment. Babies and toddlers should avoid drinking milk 4 hours before ultrasound.
• Reason for avoiding water and other liquids: any liquid and gas in the gastro-intestinal tract can affect imaging quality during the procedure. Patients with excess bowel gas are advised to wait 2-3 hours for best results.
• Reason for avoiding food: undigested food in the gastro-intestinal tract can affect imaging quality during the procedure. Oily foods can also cause the gall bladder to empty which can give an unclear image of the organ.