At Shaafi Hospital, we understand how important it is to get clear, reliable answers about your health. Our diagnostic ultrasound services are designed to help doctors see what’s happening inside your body—without surgery, pain, or harmful radiation. This non-invasive test is safe for all ages and plays a key role in early diagnosis and treatment.

What Is a Diagnostic Ultrasound?

A diagnostic ultrasound (also called a sonogram) is a medical test that uses sound waves to create images of your internal organs and tissues. It helps doctors detect conditions like kidney stones, liver problems, pregnancy progress, gallbladder issues, and more.

Unlike X-rays, ultrasound does not use radiation. That’s why it’s often used during pregnancy and in many other sensitive health situations.

How Our Diagnostic Ultrasound Services Work

When you visit Shaafi Hospital for an ultrasound:

1. You’ll lie down comfortably on an exam bed.
2. A trained technician (called a sonographer) will apply a safe, warm gel to your skin.
3. A small device called a diagnostic ultrasound machine will be moved over the area being examined.

This machine sends sound waves into the body, which bounce back to create real-time images on a screen. Our doctors then analyze these images to diagnose any issues.

Common Uses of Ultrasound in Diagnosis

We use diagnostic ultrasound equipment in many departments, including:

1. Pregnancy Monitoring (Obstetric Ultrasound)
   Ultrasound is most commonly known for checking fetal health during pregnancy. It helps confirm due dates, monitor baby’s growth, check for twins, and detect any abnormalities.
   
2. Abdominal Pain Evaluation
   Ultrasound helps identify causes of abdominal pain by showing organs like the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and kidneys. It’s often used to detect gallstones, liver disease, or fluid buildup.
   
3. Kidney and Bladder Scans
   Doctors use ultrasound to spot kidney stones, blockages, cysts, and urinary retention. It’s safe and doesn’t require any contrast dye.
   
4. Pelvic and Gynecological Exams
   For women, ultrasound can detect ovarian cysts, fibroids, or other reproductive health issues. It also helps diagnose conditions like PCOS or abnormal bleeding.
   
5. Thyroid Gland Evaluation
   When there’s a lump or swelling in the neck, an ultrasound checks the thyroid for nodules, enlargement, or tumors. It gives detailed images of the thyroid’s structure.
   
6. Heart Function Testing (Echocardiography)
   This type of ultrasound shows how the heart is pumping. It’s used to detect valve issues, fluid around the heart, or congenital heart problems.
   
7. Breast Lump Assessment
   Ultrasound helps determine if a breast lump is solid or filled with fluid (like a cyst). It’s often used alongside a mammogram.
   
8. Vascular Ultrasound (Doppler)
   This test checks blood flow in veins and arteries. It helps detect blood clots (like deep vein thrombosis), blockages, or narrowed vessels.
   
9. Prostate and Testicular Exams
   For men, ultrasound can assess the prostate gland or identify testicular problems such as torsion, cysts, or masses.
   
10. Soft Tissue and Muscle Injuries
    Ultrasound can show injuries to muscles, tendons, and ligaments. It’s useful for diagnosing sprains, tears, or swelling—especially in sports medicine.

These diagnostic ultrasound services are essential for early detection, which can save lives.

Understanding Ultrasound Frequency & Image Quality

The diagnostic ultrasound frequency (measured in MHz) determines how detailed the images are. Higher frequencies give sharper images of shallow organs (like the thyroid), while lower frequencies are used to look deeper (like in the abdomen).

Our advanced diagnostic ultrasound systems allow us to adjust frequency as needed for better results, based on your body type and condition.

Trained Staff and Expertise You Can Trust

Our radiology department follows a strict manual of diagnostic ultrasound procedures to ensure safety and accuracy.

Our team includes:

• Certified radiologists with years of hands-on experience
• Skilled sonographers who have completed professional diagnostic ultrasound training
• Support staff who ensure patient comfort and privacy during every scan

We make sure the experience is stress-free and that you get your results quickly.

Diagnostic Ultrasound Services vs. Therapeutic Ultrasound: What’s the Difference?

You may have heard about therapeutic ultrasound used in physiotherapy. The difference between therapeutic ultrasound and diagnostic ultrasound lies in the purpose:

• Diagnostic ultrasound creates images to detect issues
• Therapeutic ultrasound uses sound waves to treat muscle pain or injuries

At Shaafi Hospital, we provide diagnostic ultrasound services to examine and diagnose, not treat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is diagnostic ultrasound safe?
Yes, it is a completely safe procedure that does not use radiation.

Q2: Do I need to fast before an ultrasound?
For abdominal scans, fasting is sometimes required. Our staff will guide you based on your test type.

Q3: How long does the ultrasound take?
Most scans take 15–30 minutes.

Q4: Will I get results immediately?
Our doctors usually review the images right after the test and provide your results within 24 hours.

Q5: Can I bring a family member?
Yes, especially if you feel more comfortable with someone by your side.

Book Your Diagnostic Ultrasound Services at Shaafi Hospital

Whether you’re checking on a pregnancy, investigating pain, or getting a routine scan, Shaafi Hospital is here for you. Our diagnostic ultrasound services combine expert care, advanced technology, and a patient-first approach.

Schedule your ultrasound today: shaafihospital.pk/contact