Sonography – Sirona Shanti Diagnostics Center Mumbai for Pathology Cardiology Radiology

What is Ultrasound?

Ultrasound, also known as USG, sonography, or ultrasonography, is a non-invasive, painless, and radiation-free imaging technique used to examine internal organs, blood vessels, muscles, tendons, and soft tissues. It is especially valuable during pregnancy to assess foetal growth, development, and well-being. Ultrasound for pregnancy is the primary diagnostic imaging tool in obstetric care. With advanced technologies like 3D and 4D imaging, shear wave elastography, and elastography for thyroid and breast, ultrasound provides a detailed, real-time view of anatomical structures and abnormalities.

Types of Ultrasound Tests Offered

USG Abdomen and Pelvis – For evaluating liver, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, bladder, prostate (males), uterus, and ovaries (females)
USG Breast (Sono-Mammography) – For detailed breast imaging, including nipple-areolar complex and axillae
USG KUB (Kidney-Ureter-Bladder) – For bladder, prostate, kidneys, and ureters
USG Scrotum (Testes) – For testes, epididymis, inguinal region, and varicocele detection
USG Colour Doppler – Peripheral Limbs – For arterial and venous evaluation, DVT, PIVD, varicose veins, diabetic neuropathy
USG B-Scan – For orbital issues like cataract, vitreous hemorrhage, retinal detachment
USG Neck – For thyroid, salivary glands, lymph nodes
USG Chest – For diaphragmatic function, pleural fluid, pneumothorax
USG Inguinal Region – For hernia, lymph nodes, or masses

Why is the Ultrasound / Sonography Test Performed?

Ultrasound is performed for a wide range of diagnostic purposes:

Abdomen & Pelvis: To detect liver/spleen enlargement, appendicitis, bowel obstruction, hernias
Female Pelvis: To evaluate fibroids, ovarian cysts, and PCOD
Male Pelvis: For conditions like prostatomegaly (BPH)
Kidneys & Bladder: To detect stones, cysts, infections, and masses
Pregnancy: For confirming gestation, foetal count, growth, anomalies, and wellbeing
Follicular Monitoring: For infertility work-up
Colour Doppler Studies: For foetal blood flow, varicose veins, DVT, arterial and venous disorders
Specialized Dopplers: Renal, Scrotal, Carotid, and Portal Doppler studies

How is the Ultrasound Test Conducted?

The patient lies in a comfortable supine position with the area to be examined exposed. A water-based gel is applied to the skin to enhance sound wave transmission. A transducer (probe) is gently moved over the area, sending sound waves that bounce back to form real-time images on a monitor. The procedure typically lasts between 15 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the study. The high-resolution images are then analyzed, printed, and provided to the patient.

Preparation for Ultrasonography Test

Remove jewellery, belts, or metal accessories near the area to be examined
4–6 hours fasting is required for scans like whole abdomen and kidney ultrasounds
No special preparation needed for 3D/4D scans
Patients are advised to carry previous reports for comparison and follow-up

What is 3D/4D Ultrasound?

3D Ultrasound converts standard two-dimensional grey-scale images into three-dimensional volumetric views. This allows for a more comprehensive evaluation of organs and foetal features across all three axes.
Using advanced post-processing and AI-assisted enhancements, these images provide deeper insights, especially in obstetrics and gynaecology, minimizing dependency on operator skill and improving diagnostic confidence.

4D Ultrasound is a dynamic, real-time extension of 3D imaging. It allows the radiologist to observe foetal movements, such as facial expressions, blinking, swallowing, and limb activity, adding a new level of clarity and emotional connection for expectant parents
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In gynaecology, 3D sonography is especially useful for detecting: