Getting an ultrasound is often associated with pregnancy, as ultrasounds are frequently used to monitor fetus growth and health. But beyond this, ultrasound can be a powerful tool in helping your doctor to check various aspects of your body.
As a medical imaging technology, ultrasound uses sound waves and computer technology to give a glimpse inside your body. It is much simpler and less expensive than having an MRI, and it is much safer – thanks to its lack of radiation – than X-rays or CT scans. The produced images are interpreted by your doctor in order to assess your health.
An ultrasound scan may confirm or disprove speculations your doctor may have about your health. Let’s talk about why an ultrasound may be warranted in your case, and where you can go to have an ultrasound scan right here in The Bronx.
Ultrasound Can Help Assist in Making a Diagnosis
Medical imaging is a common tool to aid doctors in formulating a diagnosis. Observed symptoms and results from a physical examination can often tell us only part of the story, so an ultrasound may be done to help your doctor in evaluating and determining your condition.
Common health conditions that may warrant an ultrasound are:
- Heart conditions
- Irregular blood flow within the vessels
- Blood clots
- Abdominal issues
- Kidney conditions
- Tumors or lumps in internal organs, such as the thyroid
Ultrasound Can Help in Disease Prevention
Due to your family medical history or your own personal medical history, you may be susceptible to certain types of diseases. Your doctor may therefore recommend having an ultrasound to confirm the presence or absence of various health factors.
If anything is discovered, this early detection may save your life.
Ultrasound Can Track Conditions and Treatment
Ultrasounds can be used as monitoring tools to assess whether your current treatment works for you. With this information, your doctor can decide to recommend that you continue with your current treatment method or make changes.
Our bodies change over time, so it is important to periodically check whether a treatment is still working. Because ultrasound does not involve any radiation, you can have it done as often as your doctor requests it.
Do I Need to Do Anything Before an Ultrasound Scan?
There’s really not much preparation needed for your ultrasound. You are advised to wear loose and comfortable clothing for the session.
During the ultrasound itself, a gel will be placed around the area to be examined. The ultrasound technician will move a device (called a probe) along this area, and images will appear in real-time on a nearby monitor. After the procedure, still, images will be prepared for your doctor’s reference.
Ultrasound Services and Health Screening in The Bronx, NY
Here at Starling Diagnostics, we are dedicated to providing excellent health screening and imaging services. With state-of-the-art technology and board-certified radiology physicians, we prioritize patient comfort and accurate results.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a scan, contact our friendly staff today by calling us at (718) 319-1610 or by filling out our appointment request form online now. If you are a physician, please fill out this referral form here. We look forward to serving you!
