Ultrasound Diagnostics Schools

2D vs 3D Ultrasounds

It is now possible to see two-dimensional, three-dimensional, and even four-dimensional images. When 3D-ultrasound was introduced, it allowed doctors to actually see the heart closer and make sure the chambers were working correctly. In most cases, 2D was easier to use for diagnosis. There was a big debate between the two, but as 3D continues to be used more and more, the advances in technology continue to improve.

Doppler Ultrasound

The ability to use Doppler ultrasound in gynecology has been an amazing advantage for high risk patients. The color Doppler and power Doppler allows the doctor to see blood flow, particularly usuful when checking the blood flow from baby to the mother. The color allows you to follow which is the baby's, and which is the mother's blood, very important during a high risk preganancy, or if the mother is experiencing complications.

Ultrasounds During Pregnancy

Until approximately 20 years ago, it was not a common practice for people to have an ultrasound during pregnancy. It was only used to diagnose multiple pregnancies, fetal abnormality, and placenta previa. In the 1950s, diagnostic ultrasounds were able to diagnose obvious issues with the fetus:

• Fetus abnormalities
  • Gestational age
  • Hydrocephalus
  • Myelomeningocoele
  • Spina bifida
  • Cleft lips or palate
  • Congenital cardiac abnormalities
• Heartbeat
• Position of the baby

Documenting the growth as the fetus ages also helps to diagnose any problems before birth, helps parents to make important decisions, or seek treatment when needed. There are success stories of diagnoses made via diagnostic ultrasound, and parents can opt for surgery on their unborn baby while still in the uterus.

As diagnostic ultrasounds continue to advance, it is important to understand there is still a margin of error. An ultrasound scanner is controlled and performed by a technician or doctor. The results and interpretation rely highly on the ability of the technician. There are still some false positives and some cases go undiagnosed. Those instances do continue to decrease as the technology continues to excel. There are risks arising when diagnosis are either over diagnosed or under diagnosed by improperly trained, or inadequate equipment being used.

Ultrasound diagnostics have really come a long way to advance modern medicine. Doctors are now able to make diagnoses much sooner. As ultrasound features continue to evolve, training from accredited ultrasound diagnostic schools is more relevant than ever.