What is ultrasound?
Ultrasound is a technique which uses sound waves of high frequency to produce images.

How does ultrasound work?
Different parts in the body have a different response to high-frequency ultrasonic waves passed through them. When ultrasound waves are passed through the body, many tissues reflect sound waves partially and transmit the rest, which are then reflected back from deeper structures. The reflected waves are measured and depending on the time it takes for them to return, the depth of the echo is decided - the intensity decides the grayness of the area

Where is ultrasound useful?
Ultrasound is used in many parts of the body, specifically to look at the fetus, for other gynecological abnormalities and to look at the abdomen, orbits, thyroid gland, breast, testes, etc.

Are there any dangers?
There is no known danger to the use of ultrasound

Are there any dyes in ultrasound, as in X-rays?
As yet there are no "dyes", injected in routine ultrasound practice. Contrast media however are being evaluated for use in clinical trials.

How much does ultrasound cost?
Ultrasound examinations cost between Rs 300 and 1500, depending on the area of the body examined

Who is qualified to do ultrasound?
Only radiologists trained in ultrasound should perform these investigations. In many situations, however, gynecologists also perform ultrasound examinations on their own patients - if adequately trained, this is acceptable.

Are there any newer advances in ultrasound?
Newer advances include the following

• Higher resolution scanning for small areas such as the superfical ligaments and tendons of the body
• Doppler - this allows examination of blood vessels
• 3D Ultrasound - this allow three dimensional studies of various parts of the body

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