The Different Types of Ultrasound Scans

There are several different types of ultrasound scans depending on the part of the body being examined. There are external, internal and endoscopic ultrasound scans. An external ultrasound involves the use of a an ultrasonic sensor also known as a transducer or transceiver which is placed on the patients skin and is moved over the body part being examined. An ultrasound gel is applied to the skin to improve the movement of the transducer and ensure continuous contact between the skin and the transducer. 

The transducer produces ultrasonic waves in pulses which pass through the skin into the body and are reflected back by various body parts. The reflected waves are detected by the transducer and are then converted by the computer which is connected to the transducer. The computer then produces a real-time image on the monitor and can also be recorded for further examination. External ultrasounds are used to examine the developing fetus  in the pregnant mother’s uterus, kidneys, heart, gallbladder, liver, and the reproductive organs.

Internal Ultrasound scans involve placing an ultrasound probe into the vagina (transvaginal) or rectum (transrectal). During a transvaginal ultrasound procedure, ultrasound waves are used to examine a woman’s reproductive organs, including the uterus, cervix, and vagina. The transrectal ultrasound procedure  (TRUS) or prostate sonogram is an ultrasound technique  that is used in the diagnosis of prostate conditions by sending sound waves through the wall of the rectum into the prostate gland and surrounding tissues.

The endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) or echo-endoscopy is a medical procedure in which endoscopy (insertion of a probe into a hollow organ) is combined with ultrasound to obtain images of the internal organs in the chest and abdomen. Endoscopic ultrasonography is commonly used in the upper digestive and respiratory system. Another procedure is the transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) which is an alternate way to perform an echocardiogram. During a transesophageal echocardiogram a specialized probe containing an ultrasound transducer is passed through the patient’s esophagus. Endoscopy procedures may be uncomfortable and as a result the patient may be given a sedative or painkiller prior to the procedure.

The FDA has provided the following guidance for healthcare providers for internal or endoscopic ultrasound procedures, use sterile ultrasound gel for procedures with mucosal contact in which biopsy is not planned, but any possible added bioburden  would be undesirable, or in which mucosal trauma is likely, such as transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) procedures, transvaginal ultrasound procedures and transrectal ultrasound procedures without biopsy. In an FDA press release the following statement was made regarding the usage of ultrasound gel, “Be aware that once a container of sterile or non-sterile ultrasound gel is opened, it is no longer sterile and contamination during ongoing use is possible.”

The FDA [www.fda.gov/medicaldevices/safety/alertsandnotices/ucm299409.htm] is advising health-providers to remember that only unopened ultrasound gel labeled as sterile is safe to use for procedures that require sterile products. Those products that are not labeled with respect to sterility are not sterile, the agency emphasized. Refer to your facility’s infection control or other risk control procedures for more specific information. To request a free sample of our sterile ultrasound sound gel packets please click the button below.