What is an Ultrasound Scan?

Ultrasound is a diagnostic imaging technique based on the application of ultrasound waves. It is the modality of choice in pregnancy scans, paediatric patients and young females.

Ultrasound does not have the same exposure as X-rays or CT scans, so it is safer for many patients. It can help in revealing the heart and blood vessels, help in hearing the heart and blood flow, identify the rhythmic flow and also colour code the heart chambers and blood vessels.

How Does an Ultrasound Scan Work?

• It uses sound waves passed through a device called a transducer, which sends sound waves into the body.
• The device produces high-frequency waves that echo back from internal structures after being bounced off them.
• A computer then collects these echoes and converts them to pictures.
• The entire procedure is done in a fast, painless manner and is usually done on an outpatient basis.
• A conductive gel is applied onto the skin in order to remove any air pockets which would otherwise hinder sound transmission and provide a clearer image.

Types of Ultrasound Scans in Hyderabad

If an ultrasound scan is recommended by your doctor, Vijaya Diagnostic Centre in Hyderabad provides comprehensive range of ultrasound tests, which may be suitable for your diagnosis.

• Ultrasounds of the abdomen evaluate organs such as the kidneys, liver and gallbladder.
• Reproductive health assessments frequently employ pelvic ultrasounds.
• Obstetric ultrasounds are used to assess fetal growth during gestation.
• Doppler ultrasounds assesses blood flow and determine if there is a blockage.
• Joint and soft tissue analysis is performed using musculoskeletal ultrasounds.

All these types of tests are conducted following the utmost quality standards at all Vijaya Centres in Hyderabad through advanced technology and top radiologists.

Common Uses of Ultrasound Scan

Ultrasound is widely used in both routine and emergency medical care.

Benefits of Ultrasound Scan

Ultrasound offers several advantages over other imaging techniques.

• It’s non-invasive, painless, and doesn’t expose patients to radiation, making it especially suitable for pregnant women and frequent monitoring.
• The real-time imaging helps doctors make quick and accurate diagnoses.
• It’s also widely available and relatively affordable compared to CT or MRI scans.
• Additionally, ultrasound equipment is portable, allowing for bedside assessments in emergency or intensive care units.

Its safety, speed, and effectiveness make ultrasound an essential part of modern diagnostics.

Limitations of Ultrasound Scan

Despite being a widely used and reliable imaging tool, ultrasound has certain limitations that patients should be aware of.

• One of the key drawbacks is its inability to penetrate gas-filled or bony areas effectively. This means that structures like the lungs, air-filled intestines, and bones may not be visualized clearly, making ultrasound less useful in certain scenarios. For example, CT or MRI scans are often preferred for detecting abnormalities in the lungs or brain, where ultrasound falls short.
• Another limitation is its operator dependency. The clarity and accuracy of the images largely depend on the experience and skill of the sonographer or radiologist conducting the scan.
• Inconsistent training or outdated equipment can lead to inconclusive results. Additionally, in obese patients, excess body fat can diminish the quality of the images, making diagnosis more challenging
• Ultrasound also has a limited field of view compared to CT and MRI, which can be a disadvantage when evaluating large or complex structures.
• Furthermore, while it’s excellent for detecting certain conditions like gallstones or fetal development, it may not always distinguish between benign and malignant growths.

Thus, ultrasound is often used in conjunction with other diagnostic tools for a comprehensive assessment.

What to Expect During an Ultrasound Scan in Hyderabad

When you go for an ultrasound in Hyderabad at Vijaya Diagnostic Centre, the experience is smooth, quick, and painless.

• After checking in at the diagnostic center, you’ll be guided to the ultrasound room by a technician or radiographer.
• Depending on the type of scan you're undergoing—whether abdominal, pelvic, or obstetric—you may be asked to change into a gown and lie on an examination table.
• A special water-based gel will be applied to your skin over the area that needs to be examined. This gel helps transmit the sound waves effectively by eliminating any air pockets between the transducer (the handheld device) and your skin.
• The sonographer will gently press and move the transducer over the skin, capturing images that appear on a nearby screen in real time.
• The entire procedure typically takes between 15 to 30 minutes. It’s important to stay as still as possible during the scan to ensure clear images.
• Once completed, the gel will be wiped off, and you can resume your normal activities immediately.

Your images will be reviewed by a radiologist, and a report will be sent to your referring doctor, usually within 24–48 hours. The process is non-invasive and stress-free.

How to Prepare for an Ultrasound Scan

Preparation for an ultrasound depends on the type of scan being performed, and your healthcare provider will give specific instructions.

• For an abdominal ultrasound, fasting is usually required for 6 to 8 hours before the scan. This helps reduce gas in the intestines, which can interfere with the sound waves and make it difficult to obtain clear images of organs like the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and kidneys.
• If you're scheduled for a pelvic ultrasound, particularly for assessing reproductive organs or pregnancy, you’ll likely need to arrive with a full bladder. This means drinking 3 to 4 glasses of water about an hour before your appointment and avoiding urination. A full bladder pushes the intestines away and provides a clearer view of the uterus, ovaries, and bladder.
• For musculoskeletal or thyroid scans, no special preparation is usually necessary. It’s recommended to wear loose, comfortable clothing and possibly avoid jewelry, depending on the area being scanned. You may also be asked to remove some garments and change into a gown provided by the diagnostic centre.

Ultrasound Scan Safety and Risks

Ultrasound is considered one of the safest diagnostic tools available in modern medicine.

• It uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images, rather than ionizing radiation like X-rays or CT scans. This makes it particularly safe for pregnant women, children, and patients requiring frequent imaging.
• As of now, no harmful effects from diagnostic ultrasound have been confirmed when it’s used properly by trained professionals.
• The procedure is non-invasive, painless, and generally free from any side effects. Occasionally, patients may feel slight discomfort if pressure needs to be applied to the transducer or if they must maintain a certain position for an extended period.
• For internal scans, such as transvaginal or transrectal ultrasounds, mild discomfort may be experienced during probe insertion.

However, as with any medical procedure, there are minor considerations.

• For example, ultrasound should be used judiciously in early pregnancy despite its safety, simply to avoid unnecessary exposure.
• In rare cases, misinterpretation of images can occur, especially if done by under-trained personnel or with outdated equipment.

Why Choose Vijaya Diagnostics for Your Ultrasound Scan in Hyderabad

Vijaya Diagnostics is known for its accuracy, high-end machines with advanced technology, highly skilled and experienced radiologists in Hyderabad. We prioritise your comfort and safety above everything else. Be it a simple test or a complicated diagnosis, we offer it all under one roof. We use high-end equipment and follow strict safety protocols to ensure reliable imaging outcomes. Vijaya Diagnostic Centre is your trusted partner for quality ultrasound tests in Hyderabad — trusted by physicians and patients alike.

Get Your Ultrasound Scan Done at an Affordable Price

Health care should not be expensive, and Vijaya Diagnostics follows this principle. We offer accessible and affordable ultrasound services, and we never compromise on the quality of accuracy or care. Whether you require a routine scan, a pregnancy ultrasound, or a more specific diagnostic examination, we offer the most affordable packages with transparency in pricing. With no hidden charges, patients can budget their medical expenses with confidence.

Locate a Vijaya Diagnostic Centre Near You in Hyderabad

Locate the nearest Vijaya Diagnostic centre in Hyderabad within minutes! All you have to do is go to our website, and on the ‘Find a Centre Near Me’ page, you can search by state, city, and area to find the nearest Centre. Vijaya Diagnostic Centre is the largest comprehensive diagnostic chain in India. We provide services in 6 states across 25 cities. So, be it in the heart of the city or a neighbouring area, we are never too far from your place.