Why Is Sonography Done? Purpose, Benefits & Uses

Sonography is also known as the ultrasound imaging technique. This modern medical technology makes use of high-frequency sound waves to help visualise images of the internal structures of the body, such as organs, tissues, and blood flow, without exposure to radiation.

With advancements in technology, sonography techniques have also evolved to cater to different specialised applications for visualisation of specific body parts. Sonography is also known as the ultrasound imaging technique. This modern medical technology makes use of high-frequency sound waves to help visualise images of the internal structures of the body, such as organs, tissues, and blood flow, without exposure to radiation. There are three broad categories of ultrasound imaging, which are:

Ultrasound used for pregnancy or prenatal purposes

The most common use of sonography is to monitor the health of the mother and fetus during pregnancy. Here’s a list of different things that can be monitored via ultrasound during pregnancy:

• Confirmation of pregnancy
• Detection of ectopic pregnancy
• Monitoring fetal heartbeat
• Detection of early developmental problems in the fetus
• Determination of gestational age
• Scanning and assessment of major organs and structures
• Determining the position of the placenta
• Determination and evaluation of amniotic fluid volume
• Detecting any underlying issues due to symptoms of abdominal pain or vaginal bleeding

Ultrasound used for diagnostic purposes

• To examine structures within the abdominal cavity, such as liver, pancreas, spleen, gallbladder, abdominal blood vessels, etc., abdominal sonography is used.
• Echocardiography, or cardiac sonography, is used to examine heart structure and function along with assessing the blood flow through the valves and chambers of the heart.
• Serving as a supplement to mammography, breast sonography is used to distinguish solid masses and fluid cysts in the breasts.
• To visualise muscular structures, such as muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints, musculoskeletal sonography is used.
• To examine the flow of blood, evaluate the veins for blood clots, or even assess the arteries for blockages, vascular sonography is a commonly used procedure.
• Apart from the above-mentioned types of sonography, specialised sonography tests are also available for specific parts of the body. For instance, thyroid ultrasound is used to evaluate the structures of the thyroid gland. Meanwhile, transrectal ultrasound is used to visualise the structures of the prostate gland.

Ultrasound used for guidance purposes

Apart from the above-mentioned uses, sometimes the sonography procedure is used to perform or help in performing other procedures precisely. These can be used to guide needle placement for the collection of samples, fluid, or tissue from different parts of the body, including tendons, muscles, and different organs.

What Is a Sonography Test?

Ultrasound scanning or sonography makes use of high-frequency sound waves to create live images of the structures of the body without using any radiation. A transducer is a handheld device used to emit high-frequency ultrasound waves into the required part of the body. When these waves strike internal structures, they bounce off and return to the transducer. This return is in the form of echoes, which are processed by computers to create real-time images that help in visualising internal structures.

• Sonography is different from X-ray, CT scan, and MRI. As mentioned in the former section of this informative piece, sonography uses sound waves to create visual images of the internal structures of the body without the use of any radiation. This makes sonography quite safe and effective during pregnancy.
• X-ray uses small amounts of radiation to help visualise structures such as bones and lungs. Unlike sonography, X-ray does not show soft tissues clearly, but it is quite fast and inexpensive.
• CT scan or computed tomography refers to various X-rays taken from different angles to create a detailed image of the body using radiation. It helps in checking for internal injuries and tumours. On the other hand, MRI or magnetic resonance imaging imbibes the use of magnetic fields and radio waves to create extremely detailed images, especially of soft tissues like the brain, muscles, and joints.

Sonography Test Means: What Does It Reveal?

As sonography is an absolutely incredible means of visualising internal structures to detect any abnormalities or functional issues, there can be several lists or factors based on which one can opt for a sonography after consulting with doctors.

• Individuals facing unexplained pain in the abdomen, chest, or pelvic areas are usually recommended to opt for a sonography test to understand or detect any abnormalities in the body structures.
• Individuals detected with symptoms of lump formation or swelling, which may be abnormal, can also opt for sonography for further evaluation.
• Individuals facing vascular complaints, such as swelling of limbs or suspected blood clots, can also use sonography.
• Individuals with concerning symptoms such as breathing problems or persistent difficulty in urinating can also be recommended to opt for sonography for further evaluation.
• Pregnant women are usually recommended for sonography at optimal intervals to keep a check on fetal development and detect any complications at the earliest.
• Doctors may also recommend sonography when performing guiding procedures such as needle biopsies.
• Sonography serves as a very good means of monitoring already known abnormalities that have been detected by other tests.

Why Is Sonography Done? Key Medical Reasons

Sonography can help in the diagnosis and monitoring of a plethora of medical conditions across different systems of the body.

• Examination of abdominal structures, such as liver, gallbladder, spleen, kidneys, and pancreas, helps in the detection of any abnormalities or the formation of tumours or cysts in these structures.
• To monitor fetal health and development throughout pregnancy, sonography is commonly used to keep a check on the position of the fetus and placenta, along with assessment for structural abnormalities.
• To aid in creating detailed images of the heart’s structure and function, and to evaluate the heart on different parameters such as pumping efficiency, thickness of the valves, size of the chambers, and blood flow patterns, echocardiography is very commonly used.
• Different digestive tract problems, such as hepatitis or fatty liver disease, can be identified through sonography by checking for signs of inflammation or tumours.
• To detect the development of nodules or inflammation in the thyroid gland, ultrasound is used, helping in evaluating and diagnosing different thyroid problems.

As sonography does not involve the use of radiation, it is considered a safe and effective method for evaluating and monitoring different conditions in individuals based on the patient’s condition and characteristics. For most common applications, sonography is considered highly safe with impressive accuracy rates. However, it should also be noted that interpretation of sonographic images is subjective and relies heavily on the experience and skills of the radiologist.

Preparing for a Sonography Test: What to Expect?

Here’s a list of things that may be required for sonography.

• Depending on the area under sonography, different fasting instructions are given by the doctors. For instance, abdominal ultrasound requires 8 to 12 hours of fasting before the test. On the other hand, obstetric ultrasound may need a partially full bladder.
• It is recommended to wear comfortable clothing to provide easy access to the area being examined. You will be asked to change into a hospital gown for certain examinations.
• You will be required to remove jewellery or piercings from the area being scanned.
• During the procedure, you’ll be laid on the examination table, and a clear water-based gel will be applied to your skin to improve sound transmission.
• The technician will use a handheld transducer to apply gentle pressure and capture the images of the internal parts.
• After completing the examination, the technician will wipe off the gel.

Sonography Test vs. Ultrasound: Are They the Same?

Yes, sonography and ultrasound essentially mean the same diagnostic imaging technique, but there is a slight difference in terms of usage. Ultrasound refers to the use of high-frequency sound waves to generate images of the internal structures. On the other hand, sonography is the procedure performed using ultrasound technology, followed by the interpretation of the images.

Cost & Availability of Sonography Tests in India

Different factors govern the cost and availability of sonography tests in India. These include:

• The type of facility, whether government or private clinics
• Location of the facility
• Type of ultrasound used
• Condition or body part being evaluated by sonography
• Infrastructure of the facility
• Experience and skill of the radiologist
• Availability of advanced technology
• Coverage of health insurance and government schemes

When to Consult a Doctor After Sonography?

It is crucial to understand that undergoing the sonography technique is merely step one. Post that, consulting an experienced and qualified specialist is extremely crucial in understanding the generated images. Here’s a list of the next steps after sonography results:

• If abnormalities are detected after sonography, it is crucial to schedule a follow-up consultation with the ordering physician to discuss the findings.
• During the consultation, you can prepare a set of questions to discuss with the physician about the potential diagnosis and the next steps.
• The doctor may also recommend additional testing such as different and advanced imaging techniques, including MRI or CT scan.

Frequently Asked Questions