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Usually, when a doctor recommends an ultrasound scan , they will explain why the procedure is necessary and how best to get ready for it. Pre-examination preparation generally depends on the area of the body that will be examined; however, it is not always necessary to follow a set protocol. Eating, drinking, and taking drugs are all perfectly acceptable both before and after an ultrasound examination , unless specifically directed otherwise. In certain cases, an 8–12 hour fast will be necessary (before to an abdomen or vascular ultrasound). This is to prevent issues with sound waves coming into contact with undigested food in the stomach, which could cause fuzzy images. Eat a fat-free and/or low-fiber meal the night before, followed by a brief period of fasting (for up to 6 hours before the scan), if the digestive system or organs such as the liver, pancreas, gallbladder, or spleen are to be checked. This is done to reduce the amount of gas in the digestive tract, which might interfer...

Ultrasound scans, also known as sonography , work by using high-frequency sound waves to create images of the inside of the body. Here’s a step-by-step explanation of how ultrasound scans work: Generation of Sound Waves: A transducer, a handheld device, is used to generate high-frequency sound waves. These sound waves are typically inaudible to the human ear, with frequencies higher than the upper audible limit of human hearing. Transmission into the Body: The transducer is placed against the skin on the area being examined. A gel is often applied to the skin to ensure proper contact and to eliminate air pockets that can interfere with the transmission of sound waves. Propagation through Tissues: The generated sound waves travel through the body tissues. When they encounter different types of tissues (fluids, solids, air), some of the waves are reflected back to the transducer while others continue to penetrate deeper. Echo Reception: The transducer not only sends out sound waves but ...