Ultrasound examinations are safe tests that don’t use radiation. They’re often performed at hospitals (in the diagnostic imaging, radiology or ultrasound department) by trained healthcare professionals known as sonographers and radiologists.
A standard test typically does not cause pain. Water-based gel is applied to your skin and a transducer moves smoothly along your body.
5 Signs of a Bad Ultrasound
Ultrasound helps create images of internal organs using sound waves. It’s mostly safe, but sometimes it can mislead. Here are signs of a bad ultrasound:
- Abnormal findings: Four findings suggest higher miscarriage risk – subchorionic hemorrhage, abnormal yolk sac, small crown-rump length, low fetal heart rate. Not all abnormal findings are alarming; talk to your doctor.
- Technician error: Ultrasound needs skill for accuracy. Errors occur in 8-10% of cases, depending on technician proficiency.
- Incorrect pregnancy date: Ultrasound looks for specific features at each pregnancy stage. Failing to find a feature may indicate a problem, or it could be due to miscalculated pregnancy date, resulting in inaccurate results.
- Poor image quality: Difficult image interpretation happens when image quality is low due to factors like maternal habitus, fetal position, or approach.
- Equipment malfunction: Expensive ultrasound machines need regular maintenance. Malfunctioning equipment can lead to misdiagnosis and bigger problems.
If you get abnormal results or doubt your ultrasound’s accuracy, discuss with your doctor. They’ll help you understand the results and guide your next steps.
What Are Some Common Abnormalities That Can Be Detected During an Ultrasound
Ultrasound uses sound waves to create internal images. Some common abnormalities it can detect are:
- Soft markers of aneuploidy: Detected during second and third-trimester ultrasound, these markers include thickened nuchal fold, fetal pyelectasis, echogenic bowel, intracardiac focus, and choroid plexus cyst.
- Fetal limb abnormalities: Detects polydactyly (extra fingers or toes) and limb shortening.
- Fetal growth abnormalities: Monitors growth and detects intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and macrosomia (excessive growth).
- Central nervous system (CNS) abnormalities: Detects neural tube defects, hydrocephalus, and holoprosencephaly.
- Congenital heart defects: Detects atrial septal defect, ventricular septal defect, and tetralogy of Fallot.
Not all abnormalities are detectable, and some syndromes have no associated ultrasound findings. Ultrasound requires skill, and errors occur in 8 to 10% of cases. Discuss abnormal results with your doctor to understand them and determine your next steps.
What Should You Do if You Suspect a Bad Ultrasound
Discuss any concerns you may have with your doctor regarding the accuracy of your ultrasound. It is vital to engage in a conversation with them about your results. They will provide guidance in comprehending the meaning behind the results and determining the subsequent steps to be taken.
If there are concerns about the accuracy of a previous ultrasound or if you suspect any issues that were not clearly captured in the initial scan, it is advisable to request another ultrasound examination. This additional procedure can help provide further clarification and resolve any uncertainties from the earlier report.
A second opinion can be sought if one remains dissatisfied with the results of their ultrasound. Another doctor or ultrasound technician can provide this, helping to either confirm or disprove the findings obtained from the initial ultrasound.
It is pertinent to bear in mind that ultrasound technology necessitates proficiency for obtaining accurate results. Occasional errors or missed diagnoses may manifest in approximately 8 to 10% of cases.
If abnormal ultrasound results are received or concerns arise regarding the accuracy, it becomes crucial to engage in a discussion with one’s physician. They play a vital role in providing comprehension of the results and guiding individuals on their subsequent steps.
How Can You Ensure the Accuracy of an Ultrasound
Ultrasound technology necessitates skill to achieve accurate results, and it’s worth noting that errors or missed diagnoses can manifest in approximately 8 to 10% of cases. To ensure the utmost accuracy during an ultrasound examination, consider implementing the following techniques:
To ensure a smooth ultrasound experience, it is crucial to select a provider known for their reliability. Look for providers who have established a strong reputation in the field of ultrasound. It is important that they possess extensive experience and specialized training in ultrasound technology. This will guarantee optimal results and enhance the overall experience.
People should make sure to follow the preparation instructions provided by their healthcare provider. These instructions might involve drinking water before the exam or avoiding specific foods.
During the exam, individuals should communicate with their technician if they experience any discomfort or have questions. This open line of communication ensures that the exam is conducted accurately and addresses any concerns promptly.
When rounding measurements, sonographers should carefully consider achieving a realistic level of accuracy based on the specific clinical scenario. It is crucial to ensure that these rounded values align with the limitations imposed by the equipment being used.
If there are doubts about the accuracy or adequacy of the initial ultrasound, it is possible to make a request for a repeat ultrasound. This can be beneficial in bringing clarity to any unresolved concerns from the first imaging procedure.
If you are still dissatisfied with the results of your ultrasound, it may be beneficial to seek a second opinion from another doctor or ultrasound technician. This can provide further confirmation or address any discrepancies found in the initial ultrasound examination.
It is crucial to recall that ultrasound technology necessitates proficiency for obtaining accurate results. In approximately 8 to 10% of cases, errors or missed diagnoses may occur. If you receive abnormal ultrasound results or hold concerns regarding their accuracy, discussing your findings with a healthcare professional is imperative. They can provide insight into the meaning of the results and guide you on your subsequent steps.
