Question

Identify an important single invention or discovery that may be responsible for the wide acceptance and use of diagnostic ultrasound today. Choose an invention and explain why this invention can contribute to the popularity in the application of ultrasound in the medical field.

Answer 1

Ultrasound during pregnancy is an invention that is responsible for wide acceptance and use of diagnostic ultrasound today.

Ultrasound is a medical test that use a high frequency sound wave to capter a live image of internal live organ of body and detect any abnormality of them. As sound wave is used it is also called sonogram.

The ultrasound image of a baby during pregnancy is a popular and widely accepted test as it is non-invasive, painless and safe test for both mother and child to detect any abnormality of child in mother's uterus.

Ultrasound findings during pregnancy =

1. 1st trimester = this is perform in first three months of pregnancy to detect embryonic development, number of embryo, gestational age, delivery date of baby.

2. In 2nd trimester = in 2nd trimester it is performed to detect fetal structure, spine, limbs, brain, heart and other internal organs, any congenital malformations.

3. 3rd trimester = in last trimester ultrasound is performed to detect the location of placenta, umbelical cord, amniotic fluid around the baby, condition of uterus and cervix, downsyndrom or other chromosomal anomalies etc.

There are verious types of ultrasound that are performed during pregnancy they are =

I. Dating scan = it conferm the due date of baby. It generally performed with in 10 to 13 days but it can perform any time after 6 weeks.

ii. Nuchal translucency scan = it is performed to detect any chromosomal anomelies like down's syndrome, congenital anomalies, etc.

iii. Morphology scan = perform to detect the position of placenta, umbelical cord, amniotic fluid, presentation of baby in uterus, condition of cervix etc.

For all these advantages the ultrasound during pregnancy is a popular and acceptable diagnostic test in medical field.