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Can ultrasound see internal bleeding? How ultrasounds detect internal bleeding & what it means for you
If you’ve been in an accident or experienced sudden, severe pain, doctors may suspect internal bleeding. In these moments, every second matters. One of the fastest ways to check for internal injuries is with an ultrasound. This quick, painless scan can help doctors see if there’s bleeding inside your body so they can act right away.
Can ultrasound see internal bleeding? Emergency imaging explained
Yes, an ultrasound can detect internal bleeding. In hospitals, it’s often used in emergencies to find hidden injuries in the chest, abdomen, or pelvis. The scan works by sending sound waves into your body, which bounce back to create images of your organs and fluid. Blood outside of blood vessels shows up as a dark area on the scan, alerting doctors to possible bleeding.
How ultrasound detects internal bleeding: FAST exam & trauma scans
One of the most common tools for spotting internal bleeding is the FAST exam, which stands for Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma. This scan is designed to quickly check specific areas where blood might pool after an injury, such as:
Around the heart Around the liver and spleen In the pelvis Between loops of bowel
Ultrasound for internal bleeding: what to expect in an emergency
If you need an emergency ultrasound, here’s what usually happens:
You’ll lie on a stretcher in the emergency room A trained provider will apply a gel to your skin A handheld device (transducer) will glide over your chest and abdomen Images will appear instantly on a screen for the medical team to review
The process is fast, safe, and doesn’t require radiation.
FAST exam 101: how ultrasound helps diagnose internal bleeding quickly
The FAST exam is often performed right at the bedside in the emergency department or even at the scene of an accident. It usually takes less than five minutes and can guide doctors in deciding whether you need immediate surgery or more detailed imaging like a CT scan.
Emergency ultrasound for trauma: spotting hidden internal injuries
Internal bleeding isn’t always visible from the outside. Ultrasound can find blood in areas that might otherwise go unnoticed, especially after blunt trauma, falls, or sports injuries. This early detection can prevent dangerous delays in treatment.
Internal bleeding detection with ultrasound: accuracy, speed & safety
Ultrasound is:
Accurate for detecting large amounts of internal bleeding Fast, delivering results in minutes Safe, with no radiation exposure
However, it may not detect very small amounts of bleeding, so sometimes follow-up scans are needed.
Ultrasound vs. CT scan for internal bleeding: which is used first in emergencies?
Ultrasound is usually the first choice in emergencies because it’s quick, portable, and can be done at the bedside. A CT scan provides more detailed images but takes longer and requires moving the patient to another location. In many cases, ultrasound is used first to stabilize care decisions.
From accident to diagnosis: how ultrasound detects internal bleeding
In trauma situations, the process often looks like this:
Arrival at the ER FAST exam ultrasound performed immediately If bleeding is found, surgery or urgent treatment begins If results are unclear, additional imaging like a CT scan is ordered
FAST exam in the ER: how ultrasound saves lives after trauma
Because internal bleeding can be life-threatening, the ability to diagnose it quickly is critical. The FAST exam has become a standard part of trauma care worldwide, helping doctors make life-saving decisions in record time.
Internal bleeding & ultrasound: what patients should know before the scan
If you ever need an emergency ultrasound:
It will not hurt No special preparation is needed It’s one of the safest medical imaging options Results are available immediately so treatment can start right away
While Canadian Diagnostic Network provides specialized care, many reputable clinics offer similar treatments. Always seek multiple opinions before deciding on treatment.
If you need an urgent ultrasound in Ottawa, contact CDNcare for services like emergency ultrasounds, trauma ultrasound scans, or same-day emergency ultrasounds so you can get help as quickly as possible.
More Information:
https://oarinfo.ca/patient-info/radiology-medical-services/ultrasound
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