Ultrasounds

 Ultrasounds

Ultrasounds are widely known for their use for pregnancy exams but are used for many more things and have many positives to their uses. Knowing how the technology in ultrasound works is also important.

Ultrasounds are a non-invasive technique that uses sound waves that are above human hearing.  Using these ultrasound waves the ultrasound devices can detect ultrasound echoes. A  transductor releases sound waves which are then received on a body with the boundaries between tissues reflecting back the sound waves. The sound waves that are sent back into the transducer, then are picked up by the ultrasound scanner as electrical waves. It will then create an image using the time of each echo and speed. Ultrasounds are used for more than pregnancies even if that is what they are most known for.

Ultrasounds are a very useful technology and they are used for many things. One example is therapeutic ultrasounds in which ultrasound is used to heal tissue and treat pain by increasing blood flow by deep heating the tissue. Another example of why they are useful is visualizing and measuring blood flow within the vessels, which can help determine if blood flow is being blocked. They can also help differentiate from a tumor and healthy tissue and are very important to discover any unhealthy tissue in the body.

When assessing the long-term effects of ultrasounds there is not enough data to conclude that there are any serious effects.  Using ultrasounds safely is the best way to ensure there are no medical complications. This includes having only medical professionals using the machine and only ultrasound when needed. 

Ultrasounds are a great way of being exact with what images within the body you wish to see and for uses to heal tissue. It is a great technology and can be very safe with little consequences if used properly.

References

Clarke, Jacob. “Therapeutic Ultrasound.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 27 Nov. 2018, https://www.healthline.com/health/therapeutic-ultrasound

“Ultrasound.” National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering |, https://www.nibib.nih.gov/science-education/science-topics/ultrasound. Accessed 6 May 2021.

“Ultrasound - Mayo Clinic.” Mayo Clinic - Mayo Clinic, 17 Mar. 2020, https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/ultrasound/about/pac-20395177#:~:text=There%20are%20no%20known%20risks,as%20the%20lungs%20or%20head