Sonography(54)

1. Based on the ultrasound procedure and the organ to be examined, fasting and other instructions will be provided to you when booking your appointment.
2. Your doctor may advise you to fast at least 8-12 hours before your sonography, especially if the abdomen is being examined. Fasting is vital in such cases as undigested food tends to block the sound waves, which makes it difficult for the technician to get a clear picture.
3. You can drink water and take your regular medications before the procedure.
4. Ensure that you tell your doctor and the technician about any prescribed drugs, medications or herbal supplements you have consumed before the exam.
5. Ensure to carry any previous reports and the doctor’s prescriptions during the test.
6. You might be asked to remove any jewelry from the area to be examined.

As ultrasound uses no radiation, it carries minimal risks, unlike X rays or CT scans and is, therefore, the preferred method to examine a developing fetus during pregnancy.

You might require a sonography or ultrasound test for varied reasons:

1. To view the uterus and ovaries during pregnancy and monitor the developing baby’s health.
2. For evaluating blood flow
3. To Examine a breast lump
4. Evaluating metabolic bone disease
5. Checking the thyroid gland
6. Assessing joint inflammation
7. Finding genital and prostate problems

An ultrasound helps to provide a view of the following organs:

1. Eyes
2. Bladder
3. Brain (in infants)
4. Spleen
5. Thyroid
6. Pancreas
7. Ovaries
8. Liver
9. Testicles
10. Uterus

An ultrasound or sonography test can detect multiple problems such as cysts, gallstones, liver cancer, fatty liver disease, abnormal enlargement of the spleen and more.

It is a crucial and valuable diagnostic tool.