Ultrasound imaging, also called ultrasound scanning (US) or sonography, is a method of obtaining pictures or images from different organs inside the human body. It is painless, radiation-free, safe examination without side effects. It is the most commonly used diagnostic imaging method. Ultrasound scanning is the widely accepted method for screening newborn infants. The screen comprises hip screening, abdominal and cerebral US examinations. 

Neonatal, infant ultrASOUND SCREENING TESTS

Newborn/infant hip screening is important as a late diagnosis of a congenital dislocated hip (CDH) or developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) that can be devastating; In contrast, with  early detection the treatment is relatively non-invasive, simple and generally leads to normal hip development.

A cranial ultrasound is an ultrasound of the brain. It looks at the brain tissues and ventricles. It is usually performed on infants who still have a soft spot (called the anterior fontanelle) in their skull. Indications for cranial ultrasound include: enlarging head circumference in a baby; screening for bleeding in the brain, especially in premature babies; looking for signs of infection; and screening for congenital abnormalities.

An abdominal ultrasound is an ultrasound of the internal organs, including the liver, gall bladder, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, and urinary bladder. Blood flow to some of these organs also can be checked. The examination is not painful and does not carry any risk to the patient. In the infanthood the abdominal ultrasound testing does not require any preparation, however, ideally the baby should be well fed.

GENRAL ULTRASOUND EXAMINATIONS

• Abdominal ultrasound -internal organs, including liver, biliary duct, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, generallz the main blood vessels in the abdomen, lymph nodes
• Pelvic ultrasound -bladder, uterus, ovaries in females and prostate in males
• Abdominal and pelvic ultrsound scans
• Cervical ultrasound- thyroid, parathyroid, salivary glands, soft tissues, cervical lymph nodes
• Doppler examination of cervical blood vessels - examination of the large blood vessels running in the neck and supplying the central nervous system
• Arteries and veins of limbs ultrsound examination (Doppler)
• Soft tissues ultrasound -the underarm, lymph nodes, abdominal wall, chestwall, thigh, groin and muscles
• Joints, articulations –shoulder, knee, hip, ankle joint, ligaments and joints
• Breast ultrasound
• Axillar ultrasound
• Lumbar ultrahang
• Testicular ultrasound

 More about general ultrasound examinations 

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