How is Ultrasound performed ?
Ultrasound technology uses high frequency sound waves. The waves bounce off tissue and return to the ultrasound machine at different frequencies. Ultrasound machine has a probe which is applied to part scanned (coupled with ultrasound gel); it sends and receives sound waves which are transformed into images by machine for viewing on its computer monitor.

Do I need to be fasting for every ultrasound scan ?
Overnight fasting is recommended for ultrasound of upper abdomen (examination of gall bladder, liver, pancreas, spleen and Renal Doppler). Fluid and gas within the stomach after eating interferes with the ability of the ultrasound to see the inner organs. In addition, many food material contain fat which causes the gallbladder to contract which results in poor assessment of that organ. Hence you need to eat a fat-free meal the evening before your test and then to fast until the procedure. However, you can continue to drink water and take any medications as instructed. If overnight fasting is not possible a minimum fasting of 6-8 hours is required. For all other scans like KUB region, pelvis, small parts, peripheral doppler and pregnancy scans, fasting is not needed.

Is full urinary bladder essential for ultrasound scan ?
For ultrasound studies of the pelvis (examination of urinary bladder, uterus, ovaries and prostate) full bladder acts as a window into the body. It pushes some of the organs (like gas within the bowel) away, and allows us to see much more clearly. A full bladder is absolutely essential for these examinations.

How much water should I drink ?
As much as u are comfortable with. The purpose of drinking water is to have full bladder during scan. Also water in stomach provides good acoustic window for evaluation of pancreas.

Is ultrasound safe in pregnancy ?
There’s no evidence that scans are harmful, if used according to the guidelines. Ultrasound scans have been used in pregnancy for decades and have not been found to cause any dangerous risk.

Are there any preparations for pregnancy USG ?
Usually no preparation is needed. No fasting required. Mild distension of urinary bladder may be required for evaluation of cervix during early pregnancy and for evaluation of LSCS scar in late pregnancy.

How many ultrasound scans can be performed in pregnancy ?
3-4 scans are performed routinely in pregnancy. An early ultrasound (dating scan) before 10 weeks to establish due date and whether the pregnancy is viable and to rule out ectopic pregnancy. A first trimester screening scan (NT-NB/ Level I scan) at 11-14 wks followed by Anomaly scan at 18-22 wks and a scan in last trimester of pregnancy which may be combined with Color Doppler study.

What is NT NB/ Level I/First trimester scan in pregnancy ?
First trimester scan (Nuchal translucency/nasal bone scan) is specialized ultrasound scan performed at 11-14 wks of pregnancy that offers early information about a baby's risk of certain chromosomal conditions, specifically, Down syndrome (trisomy 21). It also provides accurate dating of the pregnancy, detection of multiple pregnancies with reliable diagnosis of chorionicity and early diagnosis of many major fetal abnormalities. This scan is usually combined with Dual marker blood test for increased detection rate. Since this is a specialized scan it is imperative that doctor performing the scan should be adequately trained to perform the scan to a high standard. The Fetal Medicine Foundation, United Kingdom (https://www.fetalmedicine.org/) provides online training, assessment and ongoing quality assurance for that. Dr Pankaj Kamra has been FMF certified for performing first trimester scan (FMF Id: 80352).

What is Level II scan in pregnancy ?
Also known as target scan/anomaly scan/TIFFA (targeted imaging for fetal anomalies). A level II ultrasound is similar to a standard ultrasound. The difference is that your doctor will get more detailed information. A level 2 ultrasound focuses closely on fetal anatomy to be sure everything is growing and developing as it should be. This scan can detect certain birth defects in your baby, estimate the amount of amniotic fluid, check the umbilical cord and position of the placenta, check for markers of chromosomal abnormalities, check your cervix and measure the birth canal. The anomaly scan is done between 18 and 23 weeks of pregnancy. This specialized scan requires good knowledge of the diagnosis and management of a wide spectrum of fetal abnormalities. Dr Pankaj Kamra has been certified by The Fetal Medicine Foundation, United Kingdom (https://www.fetalmedicine.org/) for performing second trimester anomaly scan (certificate).

What is Level III scan in pregnancy ?
Is advanced anatomic detail scan. A more comprehensive scanning of fetal anatomic structures is performed which requires more expertise and a more extensive and specialized training and education by the physician. Fetal echocardiography, fetal neurosonography and 3D-4D scan form part of level III scan. It is usually performed once an abnormality is detected on routine/ level II scans/ in patient with high risk of abnormality in current pregnancy/ history of abnormality in previous pregnancy.

What is color doppler USG in pregnancy ?
Doppler ultrasound uses sound waves to detect the movement of blood in vessels. It is used in pregnancy to study blood circulation in the baby, uterus and placenta. Its primary role is in high risk pregnancy, growth restricted fetuses, fetal anemia, maternal diabetes mellitus, hypertension, post-term pregnancy, twin pregnancy, oligohydramnios.

Do I need to take a prior appointment ?
To avoid any inconvenience we recommend prior appointment.

How do I get an appointment ?
U can book appointment online or in person at the center during center timings (to book appointment you need to make part payment). Please click here for online appointment and follow the instructions (please read instructions carefully). U can contact us for any further details.

What are the charges for ultrasound scan ?
To know charges click here