Understanding “Small Parts” Ultrasound Application

Introduction:

Many times, when trying to figure out how ultrasound applications work and what they mean, we tend to get a little confused. Is abdominal ultrasound under the same catagory as OB-GYN? Does my ultrasound machine need to be able to have a separate option for “Thyroid” application, or does it fall under a different application category? This blog article will elaborate on and discuss what is meant when discussing “Small Parts” applications on ultrasound systems and probes / transducers.

Small Parts:

 

Generally, one will come across the term Small Parts when discussing a linear array probe / transducer. These probes specialize in Small Parts, Vascular and Musculoskeletal applications, and occasionally can be utilized for Superficial and other application images. Many ultrasound machines will have the option to display images for “Small Parts” applications. Unfortunately, what body parts are included in “Small Parts” is not usually clarified and explained.

Breast:

One of the most popular small part applications that diagnosticians and doctors utilize linear array probes for is to conduct ultrasound tests on breasts. Searching for abnormalities, growths, clots or tumors is the primary motive to get breast ultrasound tests done. Depending on the ultrasound system, “Breast” ultrasound will either be under it’s own category, or alternatively, it’ll fall under the “Small Parts” category.

 

Thyroid:

Thyroid ultrasounds also fall under the Small Parts category. Displaying images of the Thyroid gland in the neck, it is similar to Breast ultrasound in the sense that the most common reason for the Thyroid ultrasound is to detect lumps, abnormalities or growths in the Thyroid area. Because Thyroid ultrasounds have become so popular nowadays, it has become increasingly popular to place Thyroid in it’s own category. For slightly older or more general ultrasounds machines, however it would still fall under Small Parts.

Testicular:

Testicular ultrasound tests are to detect tumors or growths and to examine the tissue around the testicular region. Compared to Thyroid and Breast ultrasounds, it the least commonly examined area of the “Small Parts” category, but still falls under the classification and is included in Small parts. Ultrasound images are done additionally to detect damage, twists, and to identify cause of swelling or bruising on the testicular region.

 

Although there are other smaller parts of the body that can have ultrasound tests conducted, those would fall under other categories. For example, liver and kidneys fall under “Abdominal” ultrasounds. Within the medical field, however, these three categories are always included in “Small Parts” applications.

Popular “Small Parts” Ultrasound Machines:

A.M.E. Ultrasounds carries a variety of popular vascular and small part ultrasound machines. Over the years, we’ve noticed that diagnosticians and doctors treasure and adore specific systems for their user-friendliness, quality images, and versatility. Some of these machines include the GE Logiq E9, Mindray DC-7, and the Philips IE33 stationary ultrasound machines. Popular portable ultrasound machines include the Esaote Biosound MyLab 30, GE Logiq E, and the Mindray M7.

At A.M.E. Ultrasounds we pride ourselves on providing top quality customer service. If you have a particular topic you’d be interested in learning more about or reading about, feel free to contact us!