Sonography (Ultrasound / USG) Cost

Generally associated with pregnancy, this test also has several other uses. An ultrasound or sonography test is usually done to check the functioning of internal organs like abdomen, pelvis, heart, muscles, tendons and, joints of the body etc. The ultrasound majorly helps in scanning vital organs like liver, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, etc. It may also be used for diagnosing kidney stones, gall stones, kidney blockages, for identifying the causes of abdominal pain, or to check for tumors in an organ.

However, the most common use of an ultrasound/sonography test is during pregnancy. It is used to determine the due date, whether they are twins, monitor fetus' growth, position of the fetus, check the baby's heartbeat, and check the blood flow in fetus. Ultrasound also examines the fetus for birth defects, genetic disorders, etc. Since, the sonography procedure uses high frequency sound waves and not radiations to generate pictures, it has been proven to be safe for the mother and child. It also helps in checking for fertility disorders, cancer, IUD, and to check for ectopic pregnancy, etc.

There are several types of ultrasound procedures with same basic process. These include

• Transvaginal Ultrasound: Most often used in the early days of pregnancy, transvaginal ultrasounds are performed using transducers placed inside vagina to produce ultrasound pictures.
• Standard Ultrasound: Generates 2D images of the developing fetus and different organs that are examined, and is the traditional ultrasound exam.
• Doppler Ultrasound: It is a non-invasive test that is useful in estimating blood flow through the blood vessels and generates blood flow images by bouncing of high frequency off the circulating red blood cells.
• 3D Ultrasound: Specially designed probes generate 3D images for better visualization and diagnosis of ailments or defects.
• 4D Ultrasound: While it uses the same frequency as a traditional ultrasound, 4D ultrasound produces a live movie like motion picture of the fetus, allowing the parents to look at the baby's face and movements for the first time. It allows for a better diagnosis of congenital defects that may be missed during a traditional ultrasound exam.
• Fetal Echocardiography: This uses sound waves to monitor the anatomy of the baby's heart and its functioning. This assists the cardiologists to diagnose any congenital heart defects that might be present.

The procedure of sonography test is fairly simple and non invasive. First, the patient will be asked to change into the hospital gown and asked to lay down on a straight surface of the hospital bed. A sonographer or ultrasound technician will apply a jelly like gel to the part of the body that is to be examined. A small transducer is moved along the area of the skin where the gel has been applied. The jelly allows for better transmission of the sound waves. On a monitor, sonographs or ultrasound images are generated that help you visualize the fetus, heart, liver or any other body part that is under examination.

The most diagnostically useful images are saved and then interpreted. The gel is then cleaned and the patient can carry on his/her daily activities as usual. The procedure takes less than 30 minutes and reports are generally available in 24 hours.

Depending on the area of the body that will be examined, necessary steps and precautions may need to be taken before the sonography test. Doctor will advise you to fast for 8-12 hours before ultrasound sonography test, especially if the abdominal area is being examined. Drinking plenty of water 45 minutes-1 hour before the test is advisable if a trans-abdominal ultrasound is to be carried out. A full bladder will make sure all the organs in the abdominal and pelvic area are clearly visible on the sonograph. Transvaginal ultrasound, however, requires an empty bladder.

Loose fitting clothes and no jewelry that might interfere with the test is advisable so that there is enough access to the area to be examined without restrictions. Apart from being useful for diagnostic purposes, sonography is also useful for guiding interventional medical procedures like biopsies. It also assists in the correct administration of injections into joints and tissues.

Ultrasound carries minimal risks and is hence a preferred method for examination of fetus development during pregnancy. Following the results obtained, the doctor will interpret and discuss the results or schedule an appointment for further discussions.