Diagnostic ultrasound

An ultrasound transducer sends a beam of ultrasonic waves to the body. At the boundary of two substances with different density, these waves are reflected back into the transducer where they are detected. An image on the screen of the scanner is then created by computer processing.

US allows the examination of superficial tissues with very high spatial resolution. It does not pass through the bone, so other changes in bone, bone marrow, and structures that lie within the joints, except on its surface, cannot be imaged.

Unlike other radiological investigations, US allows for a dynamic examination. Namely, certain pathological changes are not apparent or become more pronounced only when the muscle is contracted or at certain movements. The possibility to compare symmetrical structures on the healthy and injured or diseased sides is an additional advantage. Doppler ultrasound allows a very sensitive presentation of tissue vascularization and flow in large vessels. US is of great value in the guidance of puncture needles for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Moreover, it has no known adverse health effects.

To ensure optimal transparency, do not eat anything (for approximately 6 hours) before an ultrasound investigation of the abdominal organs. For the urinary tract examination, drink 0.5 to 1 liter of water one hour before the procedure.

No special preparation is required for the ultrasound investigation of joints and soft tissues, as well as for the ultrasound of veins.

The clothing in the examined part must be taken off for the process.

The patient lies or sits on the examination table, depending on the type of the investigation. The radiologist guides the probe over the part of the body to be examined and observes the changes on the screen.

The process takes about 15 minutes.

This investigation is painless.

US examinations are performed exclusively on a self-pay basis.