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Sonography (Ultrasound Examination)

Safe and precise diagnostics with state-of-the-art equipment

About the Examination

Sonography (ultrasound, US) is a non-invasive diagnostic examination using high-frequency sound waves to visualize internal organs and tissues in real-time. It is one of the most commonly used imaging methods in medicine.

Sonography is completely safe, painless, radiation-free, and can be repeated without restrictions. Suitable for all age groups including pregnant women.

Benefits of Sonography

Safety

No radiation (unlike X-ray or CT), suitable for pregnant women and children

Immediate Results

Real-time imaging, the doctor informs you of findings immediately after the examination

Non-invasive

No injections, contrast agents, or painful procedures

Precision

Excellent visualization of soft tissues, vessels, and blood flow (Doppler)

Repeatability

You can have unlimited examinations without health risks

Accessibility

Affordable, most examinations covered by insurance

Types of Sonographic Examinations

We offer a comprehensive range of sonographic examinations:

Abdominal Ultrasound

What we examine:

  • Liver: Size, structure, cysts, lesions, steatosis (fatty liver)
  • Gallbladder: Gallstones, polyps, inflammation
  • Bile ducts: Dilation, obstructions
  • Spleen: Size, lesions
  • Pancreas: Inflammation, cysts, tumors
  • Kidneys: Size, structure, cysts, stones, hydronephrosis
  • Urinary bladder: Capacity, content, wall
  • Aorta: Diameter, aneurysm
  • Free fluid in abdomen: Ascites

Preparation: Fasting 6 hours, full bladder

Duration: 15-20 minutes

Thyroid Ultrasound

What we examine:

  • Size and volume of thyroid gland
  • Nodules - size, number, characteristics
  • Cysts
  • Inflammatory changes (thyroiditis)
  • Cervical lymph nodes

Indications: Palpable nodules, thyroid function disorders, monitoring of known nodules, family history of thyroid disease

Preparation: None

Duration: 10-15 minutes

Breast Ultrasound

What we examine:

  • Cysts (fluid-filled cavities)
  • Fibroadenomas (benign tumors)
  • Palpable lumps and thickenings
  • Inflammatory changes (mastitis, abscess)
  • Monitoring of suspicious findings from mammography

Complementary method to mammography - ultrasound better visualizes dense breast tissue (younger women)

Preparation: None. Best during first half of cycle (days 5-12)

Duration: 15-20 minutes

Doppler Vascular Sonography

Carotid arteries (neck arteries):

  • Atherosclerotic plaques (narrowing)
  • Stroke risk
  • Screening in at-risk patients (diabetes, hypertension, smokers)

Lower limb veins:

  • Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
  • Varicose veins
  • Venous insufficiency

Preparation: None

Duration: 20-30 minutes

Echocardiography (Heart Ultrasound)

What we examine:

  • Heart chamber function (ejection fraction)
  • Valve defects (stenosis, regurgitation)
  • Heart wall thickness (hypertension, cardiomyopathies)
  • Pericardial effusion
  • Congenital heart defects

Indications: Shortness of breath, chest pain, murmurs, hypertension, arrhythmias

Preparation: None

Duration: 30-45 minutes

Prostate Ultrasound

Transabdominal approach: Through abdominal wall (full bladder)

Transrectal approach (TRUS): More precise imaging through rectum

What we examine:

  • Prostate enlargement (benign hyperplasia BPH)
  • Prostate volume
  • Cysts and calcifications
  • Suspicious lesions (in combination with PSA)

Preparation: Full bladder (transabdominal), bowel cleansing (TRUS)

Gynecological Ultrasound

Transabdominal or transvaginal

What we examine:

  • Uterus: Size, fibroids, polyps, endometriosis
  • Ovaries: Cysts, polycystic ovaries, tumors
  • Pregnancy: Intrauterine/ectopic, fetal viability, fetal age, anomalies

More details on the Gynecology page.

Musculoskeletal Ultrasound

What we examine:

  • Tendons (tendinitis, ruptures)
  • Joints (effusions, arthritis)
  • Muscles (hematomas, ruptures)
  • Knee meniscus (partially)
  • Shoulder rotator cuff

Advantage: Dynamic examination during movement

Examination Procedure

1

Preparation

Depends on the type of examination:

  • Abdominal ultrasound: Fasting 6 hours, full bladder (drink 1 liter of water 1 hour before examination and don't urinate)
  • Thyroid, breast, vascular ultrasound: No preparation
  • Gynecological: Full bladder (transabdominal) or empty (transvaginal)
2

Exposing the Examination Area

You lie down on the examination table. You expose the relevant area (abdomen, neck, etc.).

3

Gel Application

The doctor applies water-based ultrasound gel to the skin. The gel ensures good contact between the probe and skin and better transmission of sound waves. It's cold but harmless.

4

Examination

The doctor moves the ultrasound probe over the examined area. Organs are visible in real-time on the monitor. You may be asked to hold your breath or change position.

Sensations: Gentle probe pressure, otherwise painless. With a full bladder, you may feel pressure.

5

Evaluation

The doctor explains findings immediately after the examination. You receive a written report with description and conclusion. If needed, you'll get images or CD.

6

Cleaning

The gel is wiped off with paper towel. You can get dressed immediately and leave. No restrictions after the examination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ultrasound safe?

Yes, ultrasound is completely safe. It doesn't use ionizing radiation (unlike X-ray or CT). It has been used for decades without any known harmful effects, even during pregnancy.

Is the examination painful?

No, ultrasound is completely painless. You only feel gentle probe pressure. With a full bladder, it may be slightly uncomfortable but not painful.

How long does the examination take?

Depends on type: 10-15 minutes (thyroid) to 45 minutes (echocardiography). Most examinations take 15-30 minutes.

Why do I need to fast for abdominal ultrasound?

Food and gas in the digestive tract impair organ visualization (shadowing). Fasting provides the best visualization of liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.

Can I have an ultrasound during menstruation?

Yes, but for gynecological examination, the first half of the cycle (days 5-12) is better for optimal visualization of endometrium and ovaries.

When will I get results?

Immediately! The doctor explains findings right after the examination and you receive a written report.

What if the ultrasound reveals a problem?

The doctor will recommend further examinations (CT, MRI, biopsy) or refer you to a specialist. Our clinic has comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities.

Does insurance cover ultrasound?

Most sonographic examinations are covered by health insurance when indicated by a doctor (you need a referral from your GP). Preventive/check-up examinations without indication are self-pay (€40-80 depending on type).

Need a Sonographic Examination?

Schedule a comprehensive ultrasound examination with immediate evaluation and consultation.

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Quick Info

Examination Duration
10-45 minutes
Anesthesia
Not required
Examination Type
Outpatient
Results
Immediate
Return to Work
Immediate
Price
€40-80
Covered by insurance with referral
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Benefits of Sonography

  • Completely safe
  • Painless
  • No radiation
  • Immediate results
  • Real-time imaging