The Pros And Cons Of Ultrasounds

Ultrasounds, invented in 1956, form images by sending out sound waves. Being the first device created to see inside patients, ultrasounds spared copious amounts of patients from undergoing the previous option of diagnostic exploratory surgery. The ultrasound has sustained its desirable reputation to this day, providing easily attainable imaging worldwide and remaining a quintessential tool in the medical world.

Ultrasounds are relatively small and portable, which opens up a plethora of options that is otherwise unfeasible with other imaging scans such as computerized tomography (CT) scans. The ability to transport an imaging device to a patient's bedside, whether in the intensive care unit or emergency room, increases patient care quality and survival rates. The cost of ultrasound machines is immensely lower than its imaging counterparts such as CT scans, and handheld or laptop devices may be purchased for around only ten thousand dollars. The availability of this relatively inexpensive device designates it the perfect candidate for endeavors in third world countries or in the war effort. Throughout the past fifty years, ultrasounds have evolved

Wilson praises at an annual Radiological Society of North America meeting, however, they are not perfect for everything (Hyer, 2011). For example, it cannot show air, so it is arduous for looking at lungs, in this case making CT scans the ideal. In the case of CT versus ultrasounds, there is one comparison that doctors still seem to debate over: appendicitis. The American College of Emergency Physicians states that 117 million visits to the ER each year are because of abdominal pain (Hyer, 2011). While ultrasounds are the easier route, it takes a highly trained technician and experienced radiologists to show an accurate image of the appendix, therefore making it harder to diagnose. CT is more sensitive and specific, yet they are not safe for pregnant women or