Scheduled For Your First Ultrasound? 4 Things You Need To Know
If you need to have medical testing done and you're worried about the ultrasound, it's time to do your homework. Ultrasound exams are among the easiest medical procedures to have. One of the main benefits of ultrasound exams is that they're pain-free. You might have some mild discomfort if the technician needs to press down on your abdomen, but that's about it. But, there are other benefits to having an ultrasound examination. If you're not sure what those are, read the list provided below. You'll find four reasons to schedule your ultrasound exam.
Non-Invasive
If you're scheduled for medical testing, you might be worried about the recovery time. Some medical procedures do require a recovery period, especially invasive procedures. With those procedures, you might experience some post-operative pain and discomfort. That's not the case with ultrasound exams. Ultrasounds are non-invasive, which means they won't break the skin. You won't need anesthesia, and there won't be any wounds that need to heal. Also, ultrasound exams can get done on an outpatient basis. That means you won't need to get admitted to the hospital. In fact, you might have your ultrasound done in the doctor's office.
Faster Results
When you need medical testing, you want to get the results as fast as possible. With some procedures, you need to wait several days for the results. That's not the case with ultrasound examinations. Because there's a visible record of the examination, your doctor can get results much quicker. Speedy results help reduce your stress. Plus, they help speed up the diagnosis and treatment process too.
Radiation-Free
If you're worried about radiation exposure from medical testing, you don't need to worry. Ultrasound exams won't expose you to those risks. One of the benefits of an ultrasound examination is that the procedure doesn't use any radiation. That means you can have your ultrasound examinations without worrying about radiation exposure. This is especially beneficial when follow-up procedures are needed.
No Preparation
If you don't like the idea of lengthy preparations for medical tests, you won't have that problem with your ultrasound. Most ultrasound exams don't require any preparation at all. You'll only need to show up a few minutes early to fill out paperwork. If you're scheduled for a prenatal ultrasound, you may need to drink water before your exam. That way, the technician can get a better view. Other than that, there's no preparation needed for your ultrasound.
For more information on ultrasound scans, contact a company like Hudson Valley Imaging.
