Procedure: Doppler Ultrasound Scanning

Ultrasonography or ultrasound scanning involves the application of an ultrasound transducer on the area to be examined. The transducter is used to transmit high-frequency sound waves, which bounce off internal structures to produce an image that can be displayed and recorded.

Doppler Ultrasound Scanning is used to measure the velocity of blood flow. Doppler ultrasound can be used to listen to the foetal heart beat , examine the foetal heart for defects , and estimate placental blood flow. This special type of ultrasound shows different rates of blood flow in different colours on a monitor in real time.
A common procedure used in diagnosing and monitoring postterm pregnancy .

Other types of ultrasound scanning that are used in pregnancy and to help diagnose certain gynaecological problems include pregnancy ultrasound (pelvic ultrasound scanning or sonography), and a transvaginal ultrasound (endovaginal ultrasound or ultrasonography).

The information in this page is presented in summarised form and has been taken from the following source(s):
1. The Yale University School of Medicine Patient's Guide to Medical Tests, Barry L. Zaret M.D., Senior Editor, published by Houghton Mifflin. Online: common_procedures/doppler_ultrasound.html