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An ultrasound scan, also known as sonography, is a medical test that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of structures inside of your body. These images can provide valuable information to diagnose and treat numerous diseases and conditions. The image produced is called a sonogram.
Ultrasound scans are commonly associated with pregnancy as they are often used to view the uterus and ovaries during pregnancy, providing an expectant mother with the first view of her unborn child. The scans can also be used to monitor the health of the developing baby. However, an ultrasound scan can be used for many reasons, including:
Assess blood flow
Diagnose problems with muscles, soft tissues, and blood vessels
Diagnose gallbladder disease
Check your thyroid gland, liver, kidneys, and pancreas
Examine a breast lump
Evaluate joint inflammation
Detect prostate and genital problems
Examine metabolic bone disease
Investigate a tennis elbow, frozen shoulder, or carpal tunnel syndrome
Guide surgeons’ movements during certain medical procedures, such as tumor treatment or biopsy.
There are two main types of ultrasound scans:
External ultrasound scan
During an external ultrasound scan, a trained technician (sonographer) apply a lubricating gel onto your skin over the area being examined.
The sonographer than places a small, hand-held device called a transducer against the area being studied. The transducer may be moved as needed to capture the images. The transduces works by sending sound waves into your body, collecting the ones that echo, and sending them to a computer that creates the images. These images can be interpreted by your doctor. Humans cannot hear the sound waves as they are too high of a pitch for us to hear.
Depending on the area being examined, you may be asked to change positions to let the sonographer get better access. You should not feel any discomfort or pain during the procedure.
Internal ultrasound scan
In some cases, an ultrasound scan may be done inside your body. This type of ultrasound is normally used to evaluate the internal reproductive organs or urinary system. During an external ultrasound scan, the transducer is attached to a probe that is inserted into a natural opening in your body. Here are some examples of internal ultrasound:
Transvaginal ultrasound – the sonographer uses a special transducer and gently inserts it into the vagina to get a quick look at the ovaries and uterus.
Transrectal ultrasound – a special transducer is placed into the rectum to create images of the prostate.
Transesophageal echocardiogram – the sonographer inserts a transducer into your esophagus to obtain heart images. This procedure is usually under local anesthesia and sedative.
When your ultrasound scan is complete, a radiologist will analyze the images and send a report to your doctor. Then, your doctor will share the result with you.
You should be able to leave the hospital soon after your ultrasound finishes. Since the images of your scan will need to be analyzed, you may need to stay in Hong Kong for at least 3 to 7 days, or until the results are ready. When the results are ready, you will have to attend a follow-up appointment to discuss them with your doctor.
You can return to your normal activities, including work, immediately after an ultrasound scan. However, if you have an internal ultrasound scan that involves the use of anesthetic and sedative, you should wait about 24 hours until you are allowed to go back to your normal activities.
There is generally no special aftercare following an ultrasound scan. You can drive, eat, and drink as usual straightaway. If the ultrasound scan involves anesthetic and sedative, you should not drive, operate machinery, or drink alcohol for a day.
The success and accuracy rate of an ultrasound scan depends on what it is used for. It should be 100% accurate in detecting a fetal heartbeat. However, it may not be always accurate for other uses.
Ultrasound scan is very safe and there are no know risks from the sound waves used in the procedure. Unlike some other scans, such as CT scans, ultrasound scans do not involve exposure to radiation.
If you are undergoing an internal scan and are allergic to latex, make sure to let the sonographer know so they can use a latex-free probe cover.
The alternatives to ultrasound scan depend on the reason why you need the procedure. For instance, if you want to confirm your pregnancy, you can simply use a pregnancy test from the drug store or get a blood test. If you want to find out the sex of your unborn baby, you can get also get a blood test. For other uses, you may undergo other imaging tests, such as CT scan, MRI scan, or X-rays.
Before an ultrasound scan, you may experience pain, swelling, or other symptoms, or you may want to monitor your developing baby’s health. After an ultrasound scan, your doctor should be able to confirm their diagnosis and create a treatment plan for you. If the procedure is done to check your pregnancy, you should be able to know the condition of your unborn baby, including its gender and heartbeat.
Whilst the information presented here has been accurately sourced and verified by a medical professional for its accuracy, it is still advised to consult with your doctor before pursuing a medical treatment at one of the listed medical providers
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The former British colony became a special administrative region of China in 1997, when Britain's 99-year lease of the New Territories, north of Hong Kong Island, expired. Hong Kong is governed under the principle of "one country, two systems", under which China has agreed to give the region a high degree of autonomy and to preserve its economic and social systems for 50 years from the date of the handover.
Hong Kong welcomes an ever-increasing number of medical tourists each year, many of which travel for Ultrasound Scan procedures. Hong Kong is a well-established hub for medical tourism, although it is better known for its quality and cutting-edge procedures than for cost.
Hong Kong is a blend of a dynamic cultural landscape with an astonishing skyline, glamorous shopping, as well as one of the world’s top culinary destinations.
Hong Kong’s weather is influenced by the monsoon subtropical climate. The temperature is mostly mild all year round. May to September are the warmest months with an average temperature of 33 °C while mid-December to February are the coldest months with the temperature falling to 10 °C. Spring starts from March and ends in early May and the weather during this season is pleasant with many sunny days, but you can also have foggy, rainy, and stormy days.
The summer in Hong Kong is hot and humid with a perpetual threat of rain showers, thunderstorms, and sometimes even typhoons. Summer lasts for around four months from May to September. With August as the wettest month in the city.
The best time to visit Hong Kong is in the autumn, starting from October to early December when the days are generally sunny and the temperatures range from 22 °C to 28 °C. Winter is the holiday season in the city and the average temperature is around 16 °C to 18 °C but it can drop under 10 °C.
The main gateway to Hong Kong is the Hong Kong International Airport. The airport is built on reclaimed land on the island of Chek Lap Kok and it serves international destinations to almost every major city in the world, including, Dubai, Amsterdam, Seoul, Canada, Singapore, and Sydney. For affordable travel, budget airlines such as AirAsia, Eastar Jet, and IndiGo are available. There are a wide variety of public transport services to and from the airport. The best options are Airport Express, public buses, and taxis.
To get around Hong Kong, it is best to purchase Tourist Day Tickets which gives you unlimited access to the main MTR and certain Rail lines for HK$65. If you are planning to stay longer in the city, the Octopus Card will be a big help. The card is reusable and can be used for almost every public transportation mode and you can buy the card for HK$150.
One of the fastest and easiest ways to get around the city is by the MTR (Mass Transit Railways) and it is one of the most advanced metro systems on the planet. The MTR operates 11 lines from 06.00 am to 01.00 am. The fare ranges from HK$3.6 to HK$52.6 depending on the distance.
The public bus is a great way to explore Hong Kong, especially the south side of the island and the New Territories. Most buses are double-decker and air-conditioned and it is an affordable way to get around the city and the fares will vary based on the distance traveled. Other public transportation modes such as tram and ferry are also available.
If you need a more flexible way of travel, taxis are easy to find and offer excellent value. There are three types of taxis, the red taxis operate throughout the city except for Lantau Island and the fares start at HK$24. The green taxis only operate in the New Territories and the fares start at HK$20.50. The blue taxis serve Lantau Island and the fares start at HK$19.
Citizens of around 170 countries and territories may visit and stay in Hong Kong without a visa for up to 180 days. Other countries not listed in the visa-free entry such as Albania, Armenia, and Cambodia need to apply and obtain a visa before entering the country. All visitors must have a passport valid for at least one to six months beyond the date of entry to Hong Kong. Visitors can apply for a visa from their nearest Chinese embassy or consulate.
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