The ultrasound machine is an essential part of a medical office as it offers an array of uses. Many people assume that doctors only use ultrasound machines when determining the gender of a baby, but there are many more ways to use this machine in the health-care industry. But what about the process of ultrasound imaging: how does an ultrasound machine work? Let’s look at the creation, operation, and utilization of ultrasounds.
The Creation of Ultrasound Imaging
It may seem that the ultrasound machine has been around for hundreds of years, but obstetrician Ian Donald and engineer Tom Brown invented it in 1956. However, they created the machine to detect industrial damage or flaws in ships.
Fast forward, the ultrasound eventually made its way into hospitals by the end of the 1950s but wasn’t commercialized until the late 1970s. Since then, the ultrasound has been a staple in every expecting mother’s journey to help them plan for the new chapter of their lives.
How Does It Work?
The ultrasound machine has come a long way since the 1970s and has received advanced technological upgrades.
Ultrasounds are interesting because they essentially use “ultrasonic” sound waves—above the audibility in human hearing—to detect the waves that echo back from the body. These sound waves are what medical professionals use to determine baby genders and specific health conditions.
The noninvasive technique that ultrasound imaging uses produces an image of the fetus, depending on the beam angle and time for the echoes to return.
“Bonding scans” utilize the same technology, except they transmit 3D, 4D, and Full HD images of the fetus to allow the parents to “meet” the child before birth. However, mothers should be wary of using “bonding scans” as it unnecessarily exposes the child to high-energy sound waves, which may not be safe for their health.
Different Uses for Ultrasounds
Health-care professionals use ultrasound machines for purposes other than determining a child’s gender. For example, doctors can use ultrasounds for:
- Examining internal organs
- Analyzing blood flow
- Evaluating thyroid glands
- Detecting genital/prostate issues
Ultrasounds are vital equipment that every medical office and hospital should acquire due to the versatility and assistance they offer. If your office is looking for an ultrasound machine for sale, look for a newer model to ensure you use the most updated device.
By understanding ultrasound imaging and how an ultrasound machine works, you can expand your medical services and help more people in your community.