Summary of the article
What is an ultrasound/doppler ?
Ultrasound allows viewing different organs of the body by placing a probe on the skin. This probe emits ultrasonic waves that are reflected by the investigated tissue and detected as echoes by the same probe and translated into an interpretable image by a computer.
It is used to look for abnormalities of the abdominal organs (liver, gall bladder, spleen, pancreas and kidneys), genitalia (prostate, testis, uterus, ovaries). It also allows the exploration of soft tissues, ligaments, tendons and muscles.
Essential technique during pregnancy, it can track the development of the fetus and to detect any malfunction.
Doppler allows in a same way to explore the circulating blood in the veins and arteries. Recommended in case a phlebitis is suspected (clot stuck into a vein) or atherosclerotic plaques (narrowing of the size of an artery), it is a good way to study the blood flow disturbances and evaluate irrigation organs.
The device used to perform an ultrasound or doppler is called a ultrasound scanner It consists of a sensor, a control panel, a video display and a computer system.
How is an ultrasound/doppler performed ?
Ultrasound is done mostly by a radiologist or other specialist. Midwives are also able to perform when this review is to follow the evolution of a pregnancy.
Depending on the area to be examined, you will be prepared differently. The doctor will tell you what clothes to take off in order to have access to your skin to place the probe, in the case of transcutaneous ultrasound. In some cases, the ultrasound can be done endovaginally or endorectally.
During the examination, you will lie mostly on your back. Ultrasound gel will be applied to the probe and to your skin to improve the transmission of the ultrasound and the doctor will give you a live commentary on what he or she is seeing.
The ultrasound/doppler scan lasts on average between 10 and 30 minutes depending on the area to be examined. You will then leave with a report that you will send to your prescribing doctor.
Preparing for an ultrasound/doppler
All the preparation procedures (to fast, have a full bladder...) will be explained when making your appointment. Very often, it has been written on your convocation which was given to you by the medical secretary or sent to you by electronic means. You should therefore follow these instructions carefully. Your examination may not be carried out if you have not made a good preparation, as the conditions cannot guarantee an optimal analysis and therefore reliable results.
On the day of the examination, please remember to present the following documents to the secretariat :
Your health insurance card ("carte vitale") and complementary health insurance card ("mutuelle")- Your prescription
- Your previous reports and images related to the condition which will allow a comparison and a better follow-up (X-ray, ultrasound, scanner, MRI...)
Image interpretation
The interpretation of the images and their recording is done along with the ultrasound. The doctor will show you and explain the images on the screen.
Remember to inform of any medical history that may help in the diagnosis and do not hesitate to ask any questions.
If the ultrasound results are not sufficient, additional tests may be required by the radiologist.
What are the risks of ultrasound ?
The ultrasonic waves are safe.
There are no contraindications or complications associated with a simple ultrasound scan, whether transcutaneous, endovaginal or endorectal.
Moreover, ultrasound coupled with endoscopy may present some risks. They are particularly related to anesthesia and infections.
Ultrasound categories
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