Last Updated on 1 month by Isreal Olabanji DST RN
You may have heard its name before and may have wondered its use, or perhaps you may have heard it is used for pregnant women. The truth is that most Nigerians know little or nothing concerning ultrasound scans but worry not, I am here to enlighten you on all you need to know about said scan including the cost of ultrasound scan in Nigeria.
What is An ultrasound scan?
An ultrasound scan makes use of high-frequency sound waves to capture live images from inside of your body. It is also known as sonography, The technology employed in the process bears close similarities is similar to the ones used by sonar and radar tech, which allows the military detect planes oncoming enemy, ships, drones submarines, etc. The ultrasound also allows your doctor to see if you have problems with your organs, vessels, and various tissues without needing to make any incision whatsoever.
Ultrasound scans do not use any radiation in their functions unlike other types of scans. Because of this reason, it is favoured for use in viewing a developing fetus during pregnancy, as the process will not harm the baby in any way.
During the process, you will most likely be lying down on the table with a section of your body exposed for the scan while the rest is covered.
The ultrasound technician also known by their much more popular names; sonographers will then apply a special lubricating jelly to your skin. The jelly will prevent friction so the technician can rub the ultrasound transducer onto your skin.
The transducer resembles a microphone. The jelly also has an additional function of helping transmit the sound waves.
The transducer will then sends high-frequency sound waves through your body, the waves will then echo as they hit a dense object, such as organs and bones.
The echoes are then reflected into a computer, the sound waves we are talking about are at too high of a pitch for the human ear to hear. Then they form a picture that can be interpreted by the doctor to determine the problem.
Depending on the area examined, you may need to change positions during the process so the technician can have better access.
After the procedure is completed, the gel used will be then cleaned off your skin. The procedure typically lasts a maximum of 30 minutes, depending on the body part being examined. You are free to go about your normal activities after the procedure has finished.
There are steps you will take in preparation for the ultrasound scan and these steps depend on the area or organ being examined.
You may be asked to fast for eight to 12 hours before your ultrasound is done, especially if your abdomen is the part being examined. Food s can block the sound waves, thereby making it difficult for the sonographer to get a clear picture.
If it is an examination of the gallbladder, the liver, pancreas, or the spleen, you may be told to eat a fat-free meal on the evening before your scan is conducted and then to fast until the procedure is done. However, you are allowed to drink water and take any medications instructed.
For any other type of ultrasound scan, you may be asked to drink lots of water and to hold your urine so that your bladder is full and can then be better visualized.
Please tell the doctor about any drugs or herbal supplements that you are taking or may take before the scan.
It is extremely important to follow the doctor’s directions to the letter and ask any questions you may have o understand the procedure effectively.
An ultrasound carries minimal risks and the cost of an ultrasound scan in Nigeria is definitely worth it. Unlike other scans like the X-ray or the CT scans, ultrasound scanning uses no radiation at all. It is why they are so popular in getting pictures of an unborn baby in the womb.
After the exam, the doctor will then review the images and check for abnormalities. You then will be called to discuss the findings, if anything abnormal turns up, you may need to undergo other diagnostic techniques, such as a CT scan, an MRI scan, or a biopsy sample of tissue depending on the body part that was scanned. If the doctor makes a diagnosis of your condition based on your ultrasound results, they may begin your treatment right away.
Cost of Ultrasound Scan in Nigeria
The cost of an ultrasound scan in Nigeria is basically cheap and can be done anywhere in Nigeria, and it is one of the cheapest procedures as the cost of an ultrasound scan in Nigeria is low.
The cost of an ultrasound scan in Nigeria is within the range of 5,000 naira to 20,000 naira.
Most people tend to associate ultrasound scans with pregnancy although These scans can provide an expectant mother with the first view of her unborn child, the test has many other uses perhaps stemming from the fact that the cost of ultrasound scan in Nigeria is low and affordable.
Your doctor may need an ultrasound result from you if you are having pains, swelling, or symptoms that require an internal view of your organs. A list of what an ultrasound scan can be used to view includes but is not limited to:
- The bladder
- The infant’s brain
- The eyes
- The gallbladder
- The kidneys
- The liver
- The ovaries
- The pancreas
- The spleen
- The thyroid
- The testicles
- The uterus
- The blood vessels
An ultrasound can also serve as a useful way to guide surgeons’ movements during medical procedures, such as biopsies and anatomical checks of the body.
An ultrasound scan is one that is definitely recommended, with zero risks and the cost of an ultrasound scan in Nigeria is low, is one I recommend.
