Ultrasounds Instead Of Other Diagnostic Imaging

For some reason, people seem to think that having an ultrasound done for diagnostic measures is not as efficient as other imaging techniques, such as a CT scan or an MRI. The truth is, an ultrasound can provide just as much information as the other methods and in some situations are better for you. An ultrasound does not use radiation or magnets to create the images. Instead, safe sound waves are passed through your body and bounce off the internal area to be assessed. Different frequencies and angles are used to see different parts of the body. Here are a few of the reasons your doctor will choose an ultrasound over other methods to diagnose what is going on in your body.

Kidney Problems

When a doctor needs to get a good look at your kidneys, and suspects something is wrong, an ultrasound will be used. An MRI and CT scan require the kidneys to be functioning normally to see exactly what is happening. An ultrasound can be used even if the kidneys are not functioning at all.

Gastrointestinal Problems

If Crohn's or inflammatory bowel disease is suspected, the radiation used during a CT scan should be of concern. In addition to being safer, an ultrasound can show the peristaltic movements of the GI tract. This helps the doctor pinpoint where the problem is. No barium or other contrasting substance is required to see what is going on in your body like in an X-ray or MRI. It is also used as the initial tool to diagnose appendicitis.

Circulatory System

If the doctor suspects any type of blockage in your blood vessels, an ultrasound can help find it. Ultrasound images are created by sound waves bouncing so fast they are capable of showing how the blood is moving through the circulatory system.  If the blood is not flowing properly, due to a blockage, it will be seen on the monitor.

Female Reproduction System

Any time there is a problem with the female reproductive system, or a suspected or known pregnancy, an ultrasound will be ordered. While it cannot show whether or not a growth is benign or malignant, it can show whether it is developing fetus or not. It will also show any fluid and any uterine material that may be indicative of endometriosis.

In addition to being used for diagnostics, ultrasonography is also a very useful tool during biopsies and other invasive techniques. The doctor can guide his or her tools to through your body while watching it on an ultrasound screen, from a company like Hudson Valley Imaging. This ensures the procedure goes smoothly and safely.


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