ULTRASOUND What is an ultrasound scan? by; Olayiwola Sodiq O.

                             ULTRASOUND

What is an ultrasound scan?

 by; Olayiwola Sodiq O.

As the name implies, (ultra- above) this is an ultrasonic sound wave (sound waves above audible range i.e. >20KHz). It is created by the transducer (probe) perpetrating the human body, some of the sound reflects back to the transducer, which is reflected from energy layer of the tissue. Then there is transduction of electrical energy to mechanical energy. Note that the transducer act as the transmitter and the receiver, as reflected wave contact the transducer, this mechanical energy is converted back to electrical energy, once analyzed and extracted the information as reflected on the ultrasound system, displaying pictures of varying level grade.


Ultrasound scan can be done at any stage of the human life, as it is a form of diagnostic measure in the health world. It is used to diagnose series of diseases and some pelvic disorders, such as, PID, Cyst or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, abdominal or pelvic mass, presence of fibromyoma inside or outside the uterus. Also, in obstetrics scan to determine presence of cyesis (pregnancy), tubal pregnancy (ectopic pregnancy), gestational age and congenital malformations, such as; anencephaly, hydrocephalus, cleft et al. Ultrasound can also be used to detect retained products (incomplete abortion), missed abortion and so on. It can be done as early as 6weeks of first trimester and subsequently till expected date of delivery. It is also used in abdominal scan, to check for abnormalities in all abdominal organs, it can be used to determine hepatic disorders (liver disease), kidney disorders, spleen and other organs, it can also be used to detect umbilical hernia, gallbladder stone and also bladder related abnormalities, peptic ulcer or gastritis, appendicitis.

In conclusion, ultrasound scan causes no biological effect to human health as its form of radiation is ALARA principle, e.g, it is As Low As Reasonably Achievable. It is not a form of ionizing radiation such as X rays. Therefore, it can be done as frequent as every individual deem it fit to undergo the procedure.

Avoid quakes, talk to a reputable medical practitioner before carrying out an ultrasound.

Olayiwola Sodiq O. is a graduate of Lautech Ogbomosho, he is a Corps member currently observing his 3 weeks orientation camp at Yikpata Kwara state. Sodiq is also a member,  Creative Writing SAED, NYSC.