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USG, also known as ultrasonography or ultrasound scan, is a safe and
non-invasive procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to create
live pictures from the inside of the body. Ultrasound scanning is often
performed on pregnant women to assess the health of the baby. Ultrasound
is also used to guide surgeons while performing biopsies and other
surgical procedures. Apart from pregnancy any condition that causes
pain, swelling or other symptoms that require a view of your internal
organs may necessitate an ultrasound examination.

Ultrasound examinations may be performed to examine

• Heart
• Blood vessels
• Kidneys
• Bladder
• Pancreas
• Spleen
• Eyes
• Thyroid
• Testicles
• Brain, hips and spine in infants

Avoid wearing jewellery or metal objects while going for an ultrasound procedure. Inform your doctor if you have any underlying medical conditions, have had any previous surgeries, have any allergies or if you are on any medications before your procedure. You may need to undress either partially or completely and switch to a hospital gown depending on the area to be examined. You may be instructed to not eat or drink anything for up to 12 hours depending on your condition. Some of you may be asked to drink lot of water, avoid urinating and keep your bladder full before the scan. Your doctor will give specific instructions to help you better prepare for the USG procedure.

An ultrasound unit usually consists of a computer to process images, a monitor to display the video, and a transducer. The transducer is a small hand-held device that looks very similar to a microphone.

At the beginning of your ultrasound scan, you will be positioned comfortably on a bed. For an external ultrasound scan, your doctor will apply a special lubricating gel to your skin and then move the transducer over your skin. The transducer transmits high-frequency sound waves through your body and the computer documents the echo that is reflected back from your body tissues. Hard tissues, such as the bone, reflect the most and appear as white, soft tissues appear grey and fluids appear as black on the monitor. For an internal ultrasound scan procedure, the transducer is gently inserted through the rectum or vagina whereas the probe is inserted through the mouth for an endoscopic ultrasound.

The entire ultrasound scan procedure can last anywhere between 15 to 45 minutes. At the end of the procedure, the transducer is removed and your doctor will interpret the images and explain the meaning of your specific result.