What is Ultrasound?
Ultrasound, also known as sonogram, is a non-invasive imaging method that uses sound waves to create a picture of tissues, organs, and other structures inside the body. In contrast to X-rays, ultrasounds do not use any radiation. They can also show different body parts in motion, like blood flowing through the veins or a beating heart.
If you are looking for ultrasound near me, contact Al Hilal Hospital, Department of Radiology today for appointment and more information. We have experienced Radiologists, skilled technical staff, state-of-the-art equipment, and modern laboratories to provide MRI Scans, X-Rays, CT Scans, Ultrasounds and all other radiological services to all our patients.
For your convenience, our representatives are available on WhatsApp helpline, in Al Hilal Manama, Salmabad, Riffa and Muharraq branches. We also offer exclusive packages and privilege cards for additional benefits- to provide affordable yet exceptional healthcare services to all our patients.
Click here for more information about uses of diagnostic ultrasound– by Dr. Suseela Kiyyath, Specialist Gynecologist, Al Hilal Hospital Bahrain.
Purpose of Ultrasound Scan
Ultrasound scans can be used for various purposes, including diagnosis of some medical condition, monitoring an unborn baby inside the womb or guiding surgeons during some procedures.
Types of Ultrasounds
There are three main types of ultrasounds:
- Diagnostic ultrasound.
- Pregnancy ultrasound.
- Ultrasound for guiding surgeries/ procedures.
Diagnostic Ultrasound
Diagnostic ultrasound is used to view internal parts of the body and monitor their performance. It can assist the healthcare provider in learning about the cause of certain symptoms, including unexplained pain, lumps (masses) or abnormal blood tests. Some examples of diagnostic ultrasound include:
- Ultrasound Abdomen– ultrasound abdomen assists in diagnosing causes of abdominal pain. It is performed by moving ultrasound probe across the skin of your belly (midsection) area.
- Ultrasound Breast– ultrasound breast is a non-invasive test for identifying breast cysts or lumps. It can be recommended after having an abnormal mammogram.
- Ultrasound Pelvis– ultrasound pelvis looks at the organs in pelvic area; between legs and lower abdomen (belly). The pelvic organs include prostate, bladder, ovaries, rectum, vagina, and uterus.
- Ultrasound Thyroid– thyroid ultrasound allows the healthcare provider to assess your thyroid, measure the gland and check for lesions or nodules.
Pregnancy Ultrasound
Also known as obstetric or prenatal ultrasound, it is used for confirmation of pregnancy, and to monitor fetus during pregnancy. It can also assist in determining fetal age, position and growth, check for congenital conditions and monitor fetal heart rate and growth.
Ultrasound for Guiding Procedures
Generally, ultrasounds are used for guiding needle placement to get tissue or fluid sample from joints, tendons, muscles, and other organs. Some of the procedures that might require ultrasound guidance include nerve blocks, embryo transfer in IVF and lesion localization.
If you are looking for ultrasound near me, contact Al Hilal Hospital, Department of Radiology today for appointment and more information. We have experienced Radiologists, skilled technical staff, state-of-the-art equipment, and modern laboratories to provide MRI Scan, X-Ray, CT Scan, Ultrasounds and all other radiological services to all our patients.
Ultrasound vs Mammogram/ Ultrasound Breast Cancer
Usually, mammogram is preferred for routine screening of breast cancer. Sometimes, ultrasound results are used to confirm a lump in the breast.
The main ultrasound vs mammogram differences are:
- Mammogram uses low dose radiations for taking images, and breast tissues should be compressed between two plates for the scan.
- Ultrasound, on the other hand, uses high-frequency sound waves that are converted into images. There are no radiations involved and breast tissues are not compressed between the plates for scan.
- Ultrasound breast can be used for observing breast changes, including investigation of lumps, especially the ones that can be felt but are not visible on mammogram.
- Ultrasound is also helpful for women with dense breast tissues, that are hard to observe on mammogram.
- Ultrasound results can help in differentiating between cysts (fluid filled masses that are not likely to be cancer) and solid masses (that could be cancerous).
Ultrasound vs Mammogram Age
When choosing between ultrasound vs mammogram age is generally the decisive factor- for women younger than 45 years, an ultrasound is the first diagnostic test, while mammogram is preferred choice for women older than 45 years. For breast cancer and other breast-related condition, the method of investigation is mainly decided based on age, followed by symptoms and structure of breasts.
Al Hilal Hospital Bahrain, Department of Radiology
The Radiology Department at Al Hilal Hospital Bahrain is equipped with modern and updated radiological equipment to provide high-end radiology services to all the patients, and support to other medical departments. Divided into sections of Routine Radiography, Ortho-pan-tomography, Ultrasound Imaging, CT Scan and MRI imaging, the Department of Radiology also has C-arm unit for guiding procedures and Mobile X-Ray Unit for in-patient Radiology.
The Department of Radiology, Al Hilal Hospital Bahrain provides services around the clock (including routine and on-call services). The conventional Ultrasound and X-ray scans are available on walk-in basis, while prior appointment is required for MRI, IVP and CT scans. With experienced Radiologists, skilled technologists and expert nursing assistants, we aim to provide exceptional and reliable radiology services to all in and outpatients.
For your convenience, our representatives are available on WhatsApp helpline, in Al Hilal Manama, Salmabad, Riffa and Muharraq branches. We also offer exclusive packages and privilege cards for additional benefits, to provide affordable yet exceptional healthcare services to all our patients.
