The basic conception about ultrasound scan according to the majority of people is – It helps in the process of tracking the development of a baby, during the time of pregnancy. But, they are unaware that an ultrasound scan has numerous other things to offer. Now, what is an ultrasound scan? Well, it is a medical test that captures the internal images of the body by using a high-frequency sound wave. Sonography is the other name of ultrasound. Do you know that it has some unique facts to offer? Carry on with your reading to know about those.
Some unique facts about ultrasound scans that you may or may not know :
There are no risks involved
One of the finest aspects of the ultrasound scan is that it delivers no risk. Instead of using any kind of harmful radiation like x-ray or anything else, it uses high-frequency sound waves to get the inside images of the body. Well, the body absorbs those sound waves in the form of heat, or it gets reflected in the transducer. Maybe, the body will witness a bit of rising in the heat, but there will be no adverse effects.Interesting history of the sonogram
The first sonogram witnessed its light in the year 1794, and it was the brainchild of the obstetrician Ian Donald along with the engineer Tom Brown. But the first clinical use of the sonogram was done in the 1950s. Glasgow hospital first used it in the year of 1956. After that, the sonogram has experienced several developments, in the course of time.Sonogram serves multiple purposes
Earlier, an ultrasound scan was used to detect whether a woman is pregnant or not. But after that, numerous specialists started using it for several purposes like the detection of cyst tumors, uncovering heart problems, determination of the possibility of pregnancy, and diagnosis of several gallbladder issues.Ultrasound serves as a Guide to woman
Pregnant mothers have praised the ability of the ultrasound as it helps in the detection of the fetus’s health and also reflects its movement of it. As stated by the medics, the majority of women stay unsure about their pregnancy until an ultrasound scan takes place. It makes sure of the fact that the woman is healthy.Role of ultrasound in reducing the rate of abortion
Yes, ultrasound scans helped in the process of reducing the rate of abortion. How? Well, when a woman looks at the ultrasound images of the fetus, they see that the baby is healthy as well as moving. This affects their psychology, and they step back from their decision of going through an abortion. So, in this way, ultrasound played a significant role in reducing the number of abortions.Different types of Ultrasound Machine Modes
Yes, ultrasound scans helped in the process of reducing the rate of abortion. How? Well, when a woman looks at the ultrasound images of the fetus, they see that the baby is healthy as well as moving. This affects their psychology, and they step back from their decision of going through an abortion. So, in this way, ultrasound played a significant role in reducing the number of abortions.Different types of Ultrasound Machine Modes
- 2D or Standard ultrasound can display flat-looking images of the internal organs in fetuses, which helps detect heart defects, kidney ailments, and other potential developmental defects.
- 3D ultrasound imaging provides life, moving images. This is beneficial for physicians so they can study rhythm to detect heart abnormalities or help detect fetal abnormalities like a cleft lip.
- 4D ultrasound can show the movement of the fetus like the unborn baby kicking its legs or moving its hands. It’s used for non-medical purposes such as creating keepsake videos of the baby, which has gained much popularity in recent years.
- Doppler ultrasound is a special type of technique or enhanced ultrasound that can help visualize the movement of fluids in the body. Therefore, it carries a great significance in detecting abnormalities in blood flow. It can help health practitioners examine the flow of blood through arteries and veins in the body.
Deciphering an Ultrasound Machine
- Humans cannot hear ultrasound waves as these have a high frequency, but dogs and cats can!
- Ultrasound is a form of mechanical energy, not electrical!
- Ultrasound imaging occurs in a sequence of three stages – producing the sound wave, receiving echoes, and finally interpreting those.
- Ultrasound, with its non-invasive and non-ionizing radiation, is safe and has no known side effects, unlike other imaging methods. Therefore, it’s the most preferred imaging technology in most diagnostic cases.
- One of the smallest ultrasound transducers is so small that it can fit into a blood vessel.
- The gel used during an ultrasound is to enables a tighter bond between the skin and the transducer, thus giving a more accurate reading.
- There is such a thing as a 5-Dimensional ultrasound! It was invented by a group at John Hopkins University and integrated with computer surgical systems in conjunction with 3D ultrasound machines. It was patented by Dr. Russell Taylor in 2011.
