Ultrasound
 Ultrasound scans are used for examination of the body’s soft tissue, normally internal organs. However, tendons and lumps under the skin can effectively be examined with an ultrasonic scanner. Ultrasound examinations can be conducted of the arteries and blood vessels. This is very useful in the diagnosis of blood clots, and the narrowing and hardening of arteries. It can also be used in the examination of patients with varicose veins, where the consultant can assess whether an operation is necessary or not. The scanner makes use of sound waves at the high end of the spectrum, and these sound waves are completely harmless to the body. The examination is carried out by a consultant with extensive experience of ultrasound. The doctor examines the patient with a small hand-held scanner held over the area of skin to be examined. On a screen the doctor can see an image displayed of what the ultrasound scanner detects under the skin. An ultrasound scan is conducted lying in a comfortable position and takes 10-15 minutes. |
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