Ultrasounds 101: BJU's Prenatal Imaging Services

Ultrasounds are a magical thing. They allow you to see the wonders of pregnancy up close. And now, ultrasound technology is better than ever, providing a greatly enhanced imaging experience. In this article, Beijing United Family (BJU) Radiologist Dr. Xuewen Gao explains the differences between traditional, black-and-white ultrasounds and newer, higher-tech Doppler ultrasounds. 

I’m a radiologist, which means I conduct ultrasounds. As part of my work, I often get asked questions like, “Should I get a traditional ultrasound or a color ultrasound?” and, “Why can’t color ultrasounds show color?” Today, I’ll take you through the differences between color ultrasounds (more formally called Doppler ultrasounds) and traditional ultrasounds. Traditional ultrasound imaging uses sound waves that are too high in frequency to be heard. These waves reflect and refract through tissues in the human body, creating echoes that can be read by a special instrument. With these readings, we can create a picture of what’s going on inside the body. This picture can be used by expecting parents to see their little one(s), and by doctors to diagnose issues in the tissues and organs.

A Doppler ultrasound uses the same technology and can carry out the same functions, but has several more capabilities. These include interpreting data using a color spectrum and increasing the scope of the imaging. At BJU, we now conduct all of our ultrasounds with this more advanced technology. 

The imaging experience that the Doppler ultrasound device provides is superior to that of a traditional ultrasound machine as it offers a wider and deeper field of vision and faster processing speeds. It also gives a clearer picture of what’s going on inside the body, with more detailed imaging of the organs, blood vessels, and any small issues that might be present. This can aid with earlier and more accurate diagnosis of diseases. 

I hope you can now see some of the main differences between colorful, Doppler ultrasounds and traditional, black-and-white ultrasounds. It’s not just that the Doppler ultrasound offers colorful imaging and a traditional ultrasound does not. Rather, because of its advanced technology and increased number of scanning functions, the Doppler ultrasound device can give a far higher-resolution image with an even greater field of vision and more detail. 

Dr. Xuewen Gao has been a radiologist at BJU for seven years. She speaks English and Mandarin. Her work with promoting women’s health through imaging has been picked up in various research projects. Her academic work also focuses on the clinical value of various imaging approaches. If you’d like her to help conduct your next Doppler ultrasound, call the BJU Service Center at 4008-919191, or call the Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging directly at 5927 7035 to book an appointment.

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