Ultrasound Test: Purpose, Preparation, Procedure & Cost

An ultrasound scan is a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to capture real-time images of internal body structures and organs. If you are considering reliable service for “ultrasound near me,” we recommend knowing the procedure in details before you book an appointment. This will make the overall experience more comfortable and hassle-free.

What is an Ultrasound?

An ultrasound is a medical imaging technique that is used to generate detailed and accurate images of tissues, organs and other internal structures of the body. Unlike X-rays, ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to diagnose the condition of your blood vessels, tissues and organs. Hence, it is relatively safer than imaging procedures that use radiation.

An ultrasound scan is typically non-invasive in nature.

What is an Ultrasound Used for?

An ultrasound test can be used for different diagnostic purposes, depending on the part of the body being scanned and the type of ultrasound. Typically, there are two types of ultrasound tests–pregnancy ultrasound and diagnostic ultrasound.

A pregnancy ultrasound scan is used to assess the health and growth of an unborn baby. Mostly it is used to:
 

• Confirm pregnancy and estimate the gestational period, i.e., how long you have been pregnant
• Check the position and size of the unborn baby
• Examine if you are pregnant with more than one baby
• Evaluate for birth defects in the heart, spinal cord, brain or other parts of the body
• Check if the baby shows signs of Down Syndrome, a health condition where the baby is born with an additional copy of chromosome 21. This can cause physical problems, intellectual disabilities or other health problems

Diagnostic ultrasound test is used for various purposes:

• Detect if there is any problem with the structure of the heart
• Identify abnormalities in the kidneys and abdomen
• Check if the blood is flowing at an optimal rate and level
• Diagnose blockages in the gallbladder
• Assess the thyroid gland to identify non-cancerous or cancer growths
• Detect the cause of pelvic pain or abnormal menstrual bleeding in women
• Evaluate a breast lump to identify if it is cancerous
• Diagnose infertility in women and monitor treatments
• Spot prostate gland disorders in men

So, if you are looking for a hospital or imaging centre providing “ultrasound near me,” choose a reputable and experienced one that can cater to your unique health needs.

Preparing for an Ultrasound

How to prepare for an ultrasound will depend on the part of the body or organ being examined. Your doctor may suggest you fast for 8-12 hours before the ultrasound test, particularly for an abdominal scan. Foods that remain undigested may block the sound waves from reaching the organ or tissue properly. This can hinder with the quality and accuracy of the pictures.

However, you can drink water and take your medications as instructed before the scan. For abdomen ultrasound, you may be instructed to drink plenty of water and hold your urine until the bladder is full. This helps in getting better visualisations of the internal body structure.

What Should I Eat Before My Ultrasound?

For an ultrasound of the liver, pancreas, gallbladder or the spleen, you may be instructed not to eat fatty food the evening before the scan. If the test is scheduled in the morning, you cannot eat any food after midnight. But you can take your medications with a little water.

If the scan takes place after 1 p.m., you may be asked to fast for 4-6 hours before the test. Avoid eating fatty food like eggs, cheese, muffins, bacon, sausage, etc., in the morning before getting the ultrasound done. Prevent from chewing gum as this will cause you to swallow air. This can affect the quality of the images.

The steps to prepare for the testremains somewhat similar regardless of the part of the body being scanned.

What Happens During an Ultrasound?

Before the ultrasound, you will be changed into a hospital gown. Depending on the organ being scanned, you will be laid down on a table with the part of the body exposed for the exam. The ultrasound technician (sonographer) will then apply a lubricating jelly on the skin. This allows the ultrasound transducer to move easily through the body, preventing friction.  The jelly is also used tohelp transmit the sound waves efficiently.

Using the jelly, the transducer sends sound waves through the body. These waves will echo when they hit a denser object, such as a bone or an organ. The echoes are reflected back into the computer systemto form images that can be interpreted by the doctor. Based on the part of the body being examined, you may be required to change positions to give a better access.

Is an Ultrasound Painful?

Ultrasound is a preferred procedure for various diagnostic investigations because it is minimally invasive and requires no surgical methods. In most cases, an ultrasound scan is done externally with no incision required. Therefore, pain is literally non-existent. The only feeling you will have is the temperature of the lubricating gel and the movement of the transducer on your body.

In transvaginal ultrasounds, the transducer is inserted inside the vagina to capture images of the pelvic area. The procedure may be little uncomfortable but not painful. If you experience pain at any time of the exam. Talk to the technician immediately.

What is the USG Test Price?

The ultrasound price will vary depending on the section of the body being scanned, duration of the test and where the scan is being conducted. For instance, an ultrasound of whole abdomen will typically cost higher than the lower abdomen alone.

However, average USG test price in Delhi will vary from INR 500 to INR 1500. 

Looking for a reputable imaging centre for “ultrasound near me?” Star Imaging & Path Lab has vast experience providing high-quality and reliable ultrasound tests in Delhi. We use the latest technologies and a team of certified specialists who are able to perform the exam with high levels of proficiency and accuracy. To book an appointment, call at 011-4560-2200 today.