2D, 3D, and 4D Ultrasound Exams

When you think of ultrasound exams, you most likely think of a pregnant woman and her growing belly. However, these noninvasive, safe and comfortable diagnostic tests can be used to detect and diagnose a myriad of diseases and medical conditions.

In addition to monitoring the health of a growing fetus, ultrasounds can be used to assess the health of your heart, kidneys, veins, bladder, reproductive organs and spleen. Depending on your specific condition, your doctor may want to conduct a 2D, 3D, or 4D ultrasound exam to evaluate organ damage after an illness or infection. Let’s take a look at their differences below.

What is the difference between 2D, 3D and 4D ultrasounds?

2D ultrasounds

2D ultrasounds are flat black and white moving images of the inside of your body. Sound waves travel from the ultrasound transducer through the body and back again to produce a basic image that outlines the organs inside your body. This type of ultrasound is useful in detecting things like tumors, polyps or cysts in a major organ. While the images are not true to life, they do produce a clear internal image to help doctors detect and diagnose certain medical issues. 2D ultrasounds are most often used during pregnancy to make sure your baby is healthy and growing well. Doctors rely on this technology to measure head, stomach, and leg size as well as to monitor the heart rate and movement of the baby.

3D ultrasounds

3D ultrasounds show three-dimensional static images of the inside of your body. These exams may be used to locate hard-to-find tumors or diagnose cancers more quickly. 3D ultrasounds gather data that can be divided and viewed from different angles, giving doctors a better understanding of the abnormal tumor before they are in the operating room.

4D ultrasounds

4D ultrasound exams are just like 3D ultrasounds, but with movement. This allows doctors to see what is happening inside your body real-time. For example, it can view how blood is flowing through your aorta and surrounding blood vessels, or how waste is moving through your kidneys. You may also have an ultrasound toward the middle or end of your pregnancy to check for abnormalities and a 4D ultrasound will give you a realistic peek at your newest addition. At this time, your doctor will check for any abnormalities of blood flow, kidney function and give you realistic a peek at your newest addition.

Alaska Family Sonograms’ ultrasound technologists are highly trained professionals and registered diagnostic medical sonographers. Our 2D, 3D and 4D ultrasound technologies can help with early detection and diagnosis of certain diseases and medical conditions.

For more information or to schedule an ultrasound exam, contact us at 907-561-3601.

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