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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 Spain 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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Historic Spain is home to the third-highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, after Italy and China. Part of the Iberian Peninsula, along with Portugal, Spain also shares borders with France and the less well-known, Andorra. The country itself is made up of several regions, both on the mainland and out at sea, with the Canary Islands closer to Morocco than Spain - they are located in the Atlantic Ocean, whilst the Balearic Islands are a little closer to home, in the Mediterranean Sea. On the mainland there is Central Spain, home to the capital, Madrid, Catalonia in the East, home to the second city, Barcelona, and the Basque Country in the North, to name but a few.
Spain sees an estimated 100,000 medical tourists each year, many of which travel for Ultrasound Scan procedures. The biggest target market is from the UK, accounting for one in four of Spain's 60m annual tourists. An excellent healthcare system combined with warm temperatures and competitive prices means that Spain is now one of the more popular destinations in Europe for medical tourism. The most popular procedures tend to be cosmetic surgery, fertility treatments, bariatric surgery, cardiac surgery, orthopedics, urology, and bone marrow transplants.
Spain has diverse landscapes, dynamic cities, influential art, and delightful food.
Spain has wonderful weather all year-round. Summer starts from June to August and tends to be nice. Tourists can expect warm and sunny weather. The temperature can get as high as 30 °C, sometimes even higher. Summer is the peak season for tourism so prices can increase by up to 50%.
Spring (April to May) and Autumn (September to October) are great times to visit. The weather is mild and perfect to do outdoor activities, although sometimes it can be unpredictable. The country is not as crowded as during summertime.
Winter in Spain is cold but the temperature does not drop too low. The average temperature is between 4 °C to 10 °C. Northern Spain and the mountainous areas sometimes experience snowfall and rain showers.
The main international airport in Spain is Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas and Barcelona El Prat Airport. Madrid-Barajas is the largest airport in the country. It operates domestic and international flights. The airport connects Madrid with almost every country in the world. It serves several budget airlines such as Iberia Express, Ryanair, and EasyJet. It is the hub for Air Europa and Iberia.
Barcelona El Prat Airport also serves domestic and international connections with almost every country globally. Budget airlines such as Ryanair and WestJet operate flights from this airport. It is the hub for Level and Vueling.
To get to the city center, both airports provide taxis, buses, and metro. Taxis are the most convenient transportation mode but usually more expensive. Tourists who travel to Madrid are advised to buy the Madrid Tourist Travel Pass which can be used on any Metro, bus, or suburban train for just 5 EUR.
Spain has a well-designed public transportation network. Tourists can get around Spain by train. There are high-speed (AVE) and regular service trains (Talgo) for long-distance or medium distance travel, the fares are based on a 1st and 2nd class system. For short destinations, tourists can use local trains. It offers one class of seats and makes a lot of stops. 60-year-old and older travelers can get a discount between 25 to 40 percent for train tickets. Children under the age of 13 also qualified for discounts. Buses are another excellent option. Intercity buses are affordable, clean, and safe.
Renting a car gives more flexibility for tourists. International car rental agencies are widely available in the country. The highway system is easy for foreigners to follow. Parking can be quite hard in some cities and historic towns because it can get really crowded.
Taxis have a reasonable price. Spanish taxi drivers are usually trustworthy and don’t cheat. The taxi can be hailed on the street or from a taxi stand (parade de taxi). Available taxis have green lights or signs that say “libre” on them. Taxis run on meters, but if you’re traveling a long distance, you will have to agree on the fare in advance.
Citizens of the European Union, Norway, Liechtenstein, Iceland, and Switzerland can travel to Spain with their identity cards only. Citizens of Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, the United States, and New Zealand are granted visa-free entry and can stay for up to 90 days. Other countries can check with their nearest Spanish embassy or consulate. Spain is a member of the Schengen Convention. If you hold a Schengen visa, you cannot extend it.