Back To Basics: How to Read an Ultrasound Image

Why are ultrasound images in greyscale? What do the white and gray colors represent to you? How should you familiarize yourself with an ultrasound image? If there’s no clear answer to these questions, it is advised to first learn how to analyze an ultrasound image. Whether you are a patient or health care provider, it is essential to understand how to read an ultrasound image. The greyscale makes the photos difficult to distinguish in the beginning. However, with a nudge in the right direction, you will be reading ultrasounds in no time. An important thing to remember when making ultrasound interpretations, is to do it calmly, especially while learning. If doubts arise, it is recommended to ask for a second opinion.

In order to know how to interpret an ultrasound image, let’s start from the basics. Ultrasound is a non-invasive, primary tool used to view image tissue. It will not penetrate bones like an X-Ray Machine does. The first step to reading an ultrasound image is to be familiar with the anatomy you are scanning. You will notice that various body tissues conduct sound quite differently. Some tissues reflect sound waves while others absorb them. The density of the tissue depicts the speed at which the echoes return. The darker the color; the denser the tissue, while the brightest being a solid tissue and/or a bone.

Tips to Read an Ultrasound Image

1. Focus on the Shades and their Differences to Identify Structures- Most ultrasound images are grayscale, but the shades in your ultrasound scan can differ. The color differences are caused by variations in the densities of the materials through which the sound travels. You’ll find solid tissues and the bones appearing white during ultrasound image reading. Thin tissue, air, or liquid will appear dark.
2. Determine the Visible Side of the Body- During ultrasound image reading, you must identify which side these are imaged. The body’s left side is on the image’s left side.
3. Focus on the Visual Effects- The ultrasound assesses the body’s inner structures. It uses sound to create images. Various visual effects rely on the radiologist or doctor’s setting.
4. Assessing the Structures — To interpret structures, you will require some knowledge of human anatomy. For instance, when you want to find the sex of the baby in the womb, you will have to focus on specific shapes and structures during the ultrasound. The sonographers are experienced in finding the forms, and you might need help with the assessment.

Ultrasound Picture Explained

First, the baby will look gray or whitish in the image. That’s because the baby is found in amniotic fluid.

● The 8-week ultrasound scanning shows the fetus’s size, similar to that of a baked bean.

● In the 12-week ultrasound, you’ll see the head of the baby.

● In 20 weeks, you can see the baby’s heart, feet, spine, and eyes.

The sonogram technicians can identify the gender of the baby. From the ultrasound picture, it becomes easier to monitor and access the development and growth of the fetus. You may also consider opting for a 3D or 4D ultrasound scanning for the best results and better details. When reading the ultrasound image, you’ll generally be able to answer the following questions:

• What is the Gestational age of the fetus?
• What is the length of both sides of the head?
• What are the measurements of the thigh bone and femur?
• What is the weight and height of the fetus in the image?
• What are the fetal measurements, to find any abnormalities in the image?

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