Ultrasound Examinations

Ultrasound is in the domain of sound waves of a certain wavelength inaudible for human ears. The examination is harmless to the body and may be repeated without causing any side effects, thus widely used in diagnostics.

Ultrasound is a set of high-frequency ultrasound beams that are reflected from the tissue interface as they pass through our body. From the ultrasound beam recovery, imaging is made possible by computerized image processing. It is suitable for painless, harmless, unlimited, and repeatable screening or targeted testing based on clinical indications. Problems connected with internal medicine, surgery, endocrinology, urology, gynecology, the blood vessels, joints, and peripheral nerves can all be diagnosed using an ultrasound examination, and often problems can be revealed even before the appearance of specific complaints, thus it can be used as a screening test.

The patient lies on the examination table once the affected area has been exposed. The affected body part is smeared with gel, then the specialist uses the transducer (probe) to display and record the examined region on the screen. After the examination, the result is discussed and a test finding is made.

ULTRASOUND EXAMINATIONS AVAILABLE AT OUR PRIVATE HOSPITAL:

Infant ultrasound scan

Includes examination of the abdomen and skull. This allows early detection of several congenital anomalies that are not yet symptomatic. Hip ultrasound scans are performed by a pediatric orthopedic specialist in our hospital.

Test procedure: the infant's examined area should be free of clothing. During the ultrasound examination, the infant lies on its back on the examination table. The skin is coated with a gel that helps the ultrasound waves to travel. The probe is placed on the baby's skin. The doctor moves the probe to obtain an image of the organs.

Hip ultrasound examination

Hip ultrasound is the most reliable way to detect early abnormalities of the hip joint, e.g., hip sprains – even if only mild signs of suspicion are present. This examination is recommended at 4-6 weeks of age and is also suitable for monitoring development. The examination is performed by a pediatric orthopedic specialist on the recommendation of a pediatric orthopedic surgeon.

Test procedure: The infant's examination area must be free of clothing. During the ultrasound examination, the infant lies on his or her back on the examination table. Their skin is coated with a gel that helps the ultrasound waves to travel. The probe is placed on the skin and the doctor moves the probe to obtain an image of the hip joint.

Doppler examination - Neck veins / Carotid artery

Used to check the condition of the carotid arteries, which are also responsible for the blood supply to the brain. It can be used to detect deposits and calcifications in the walls of blood vessels and the degree of constriction they cause. The test is recommended in cases such as high blood pressure, dizziness, vasoconstriction, smoking, elevated cholesterol levels and before heart surgery. If the stenosis is so severe that vascular surgery is necessary, angiography (vascular staining and an x-ray) will be performed.

Test procedure: The patient clears the test area of clothing. During the ultrasound examination, the patient lies supine on the examination table. The skin is coated with a gel that helps the ultrasound waves to travel. The probe is placed on the skin and the doctor moves the probe to obtain an image of the blood vessels.

Doppler examination - venous

This examination is performed when deep vein thrombosis is suspected or to rule it out. The examination provides information about the circulatory conditions of the extremities and the functioning of the deep vein valves. The condition of the superficial veins and the primary causes of varicose veins can also be assessed before varicose vein surgery is recommended.

Test procedure: The patient frees the area to be examined of any clothing. During the ultrasound scan, the patient lies on their back on the examination table, depending on the area being examined. The skin is smeared with a gel that helps the ultrasound waves to travel. The probe is placed on the skin and the doctor moves the probe to obtain an image of the veins. Before vascular surgery, we also scan the patient in a standing position to confirm venous return.

IMPORTANT: It is recommended to drink plenty of fluids a few hours before the test.

Doppler examination - arterial

The arterial Doppler examination can visualize calcified deposits and narrowing abnormalities in the walls of the larger arteries of the extremities. It is not suitable for assessing outflow trajectories. It is a targeted examination, performed on the recommendation of a specialist.

Test procedure: The patient frees the area to be examined of clothing. During the ultrasound scan, the patient lies supine on the examination table, depending on the area being examined. The skin is coated with a gel that helps the ultrasound waves to travel. The probe is placed on the skin and the doctor moves the probe to obtain an image of the blood vessels.

IMPORTANT: It is recommended to drink plenty of fluids a few hours before the test.

Ultrasound breast scan

Used to distinguish between abnormal processes, palpable lumps, cystic and solid formations in the breast. Breast screening alone is recommended only for women under the age of 35. The examination also includes an ultrasound scan of the soft tissue of the armpits.

At our institute, we perform a complex, clinical (mammography + breast ultrasound) breast examination for screening purposes for women over 35 years of age, in all cases with the participation of a breast specialist radiologist.

Test procedure: The patient removes all clothing from the examination area. During the ultrasound examination, the patient lies on their back on the examination table. The skin ont he area to be examined is coated with a gel that helps the ultrasound waves travel. The probe is placed on the skin, which the doctor moves to obtain an image of the area under examination.

Abdominal and pelvic ultrasound examination

Ultrasound is suitable for examining the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, urinary bladder, uterus, the ovaries in women, and the prostate gland in men. It can be used to distinguish between diffuse and circumscribed abnormalities of organs. It is recommended for the diagnosis of inflammatory conditions, changes in the size of organs, cysts, abscesses, free peritoneal fluid, kidney stones, gallstones, and tumors. It can also be used to examine the larger veins and lymph nodes of the abdominal cavity and to diagnose metastases of possible tumor lesions. In case of suspicion of disease in the gastrointestinal tract, further instrumental examination - e.g., gastroscopy, colonoscopy, CT, MRI - is recommended.

Test procedure: The patient frees the area to be examined of clothing. During the ultrasound examination, the patient lies supine on the examination table. The skin is smeared with a gel that helps the ultrasound waves to travel, and the probe is placed on the skin. The doctor moves the probe to obtain an image of the organs.

IMPORTANT: The test is performed on an empty stomach (at least 6 hours after the last meal) and with a full bladder.

Examination of the bladder and surrounding organs is effective if the bladder is well filled with urine. Therefore, drinking plenty of fluid (preferably non-carbonated) is recommended a few hours before the test.

Abdominal soft tissue ultrasound scan

A targeted, dynamic examination performed on surgical recommendation, in both the supine and standing positions. We also use a provocation test. In the diagnosis of abdominal protrusions, hernias (e.g., umbilical hernia, inguinal hernia, etc.) and in the assessment of the abdominal wall layers, a special soft tissue examination is performed.

Test procedure: The patient removes all clothing from the examination area. During the ultrasound examination, the patient first lies on their back on the examination table, and is then examined in a standing position, sometimes coughing and performing contractions of the abdominal muscles. The skin is coated with a gel that helps the ultrasound waves travel, and a probe is placed on the skin, which the doctor moves to obtain an image of the area.

Testicle ultrasound examination

A targeted examination is performed on the recommendation of a urologist.

A quick, painless diagnostic method for the evaluation of testicular pain, used to assess localized or diffuse structural abnormalities, inflammation, injury, tumor lesions, and arterial circulatory disorders. During the examination, we can also get an idea of ​​the condition of the epididymis.

Test procedure: The patient removes all clothing from the area to be examined. During the ultrasound examination, the patient lies on his back on the examination table and his skin is coated with a gel that helps the ultrasound waves travel. The probe is placed on the skin and the doctor moves the probe to obtain an image of the organs.

Bladder ultrasound examination

A targeted examination, recommended by and/or performed by a urologist, during which we can assess structural and functional abnormalities of the bladder. If necessary, a repeat examination is also performed immediately after urination to assess the degree of voiding.

Test procedure: The patient removes all clothing from the examination area. During the ultrasound examination, the patient lies on their back on the examination table. The skin is coated with a gel that helps the ultrasound waves travel. A probe is placed on the skin, which the doctor moves to obtain an image of the organs.

IMPORTANT: Examination of the bladder and surrounding organs is only effective if the bladder is well filled with urine. Therefore, it is recommended to drink plenty of fluids (preferably non-carbonated) a few hours before the examination.

Ultrasound examination of the joints

Ultrasound examination of the soft tissues surrounding the bones forming the joint. It can be used to map changes and injuries to muscles, ligaments, and tendon attachments. It can also be used in the differential diagnosis of joint fluids. It is suitable for differentiating various inflammatory conditions, rheumatic diseases, acute or chronic conditions, assessing therapeutic effects, and monitoring. Due to the clarity of the bony structures, a two-dimensional x-ray of the given joint is required for the examination.

Test procedure: The patient clears the test area of clothing. During the ultrasound scan, the patient lies supine on the examination table or in a sitting position, depending on the area affected. During the examination, the affected joint must be moved actively and passively. The skin is lubricated with a gel that helps the ultrasound waves to travel, and a probe is placed on the skin that the doctor moves to obtain an image of the area being examined.

IMPORTANT: The examination requires a two-way x-ray of the joint to obtain a clear view of the bony structures.

Pelvic ultrasound scan

Used to map the condition, diseases, abnormalities and lesions of the pelvic organs. During an abdominal ultrasound examination, with a moderately full bladder, structural abnormalities of the uterus and ovaries of women and the prostate gland of men can be visualized. For a more accurate assessment of the female pelvic organs, we recommend a so-called transvaginal examination.

Test procedure: The patient frees the test area of clothing. During the ultrasound examination, the patient lies supine on the examination table. The skin is coated with a gel that helps the ultrasound waves to travel, and a probe is placed on the skin that the doctor moves to obtain an image of the organs.

IMPORTANT: Pelvic organ examination is effective if the bladder is well filled with urine. Therefore, drinking plenty of fluid (preferably non-carbonated) is recommended a few hours before the test.

Soft tissue ultrasound examination

Used in the diagnosis of nodules, hemorrhages, inflammatory or postoperative fluid collections, cysts, foreign bodies, and localized inflammations in subcutaneous fat, connective tissue, muscle tissue, tendons, and ligaments. The size, structure, and relationship of the lesion to its environment, and in some cases, the type of initial tissue, can also be assessed. Soft tissue ultrasound examination includes the assessment and monitoring of the structure of enlarged lymph nodes in lymphatic regions (e.g., armpits, inguinal folds, etc.).

Test procedure: The patient removes all clothing from the area to be examined. During the ultrasound examination, the patient lies on their back or sits on the examination table, depending on the area being examined. Their skin is coated with a gel that helps the ultrasound waves travel, and a probe is placed on their skin. The doctor moves the probe to obtain an image of the area under examination.

Fetal ultrasound examination

Used to monitor fetal vital signs and the rate of intrauterine development, performed by a specially trained physician.

Test procedure: The expectant mother removes all clothing from the examination area. During the ultrasound examination, the patient lies on her back on the examination table. The skin is smeared with a gel that helps the ultrasound waves to travel, and a probe is placed on the skin. The doctor moves the probe to obtain an image of the fetus.

Chest ultrasound examination

A targeted, additional examination performed on the recommendation of a specialist, during which the chest wall, pleura and lungs are visualized for external tissue abnormalities. This is also a useful examination procedure in the detection and differential diagnosis of chest fluid accumulations.

Test procedure: The patient frees the area to be examined of clothing. During the ultrasound examination, the patient sits on the examination bed or lies supine. The skin is smeared with a gel that helps the ultrasound waves to travel, and a probe is placed on the skin. The doctor moves the probe to obtain an image of the organs.

Soft neck tissue ultrasound

The test can be used to examine the large salivary glands, thyroid gland structure, circumscribed or diffuse lesions. Salivary neoplasms, tumors, inflammatory conditions, circumscribed or diffuse fluid collections, cystic formations, and lymph node lesions can also be diagnosed.

Test procedure: the patient clears the test area of clothing. During the ultrasound examination, the patient lies supine on the examination table. The skin is coated with a gel that helps the ultrasound waves to propagate. The probe is placed on the skin. The doctor moves the probe to obtain an image of the organs.

Thyroid ultrasound scan

Used to assess the size, structure, circumscribed or diffuse lesions of the thyroid gland and to visualize its relationship to its environment. It can be used to detect the presence of acute or chronic inflammation, nodules or tumors.

Test procedure: The patient clears the test area of clothing. During the ultrasound examination, the patient lies supine on the examination table. The skin is coated with a gel that helps the ultrasound waves to travel, and a probe is placed on the skin. The doctor moves the probe to obtain an image of the organs.

Peripheral nerve ultrasound examination

The peripheral nerves of the upper and lower extremities are examined to determine the course of the nerve, its structure and its relationship to its environment. This can reveal lesions, structural changes (tunnel syndromes) and tumors of the nerve due to compression. On the advice of a specialist, a targeted examination is carried out.

Test procedure: The patient clears the test area of clothing. During the ultrasound scan, the patient lies supine on the examination table or is in a sitting position, depending on the area affected. The skin is lubricated with a gel that helps the ultrasound waves to travel, and a probe is placed on the skin. The doctor moves the probe to obtain an image of the area being examined. Active and passive movement of the affected joint or limb is required during the examination.

IMPORTANT: The test requires electroneurography (ENG) nerve conduction test results and a two-way x-ray of the region.

Renal ultrasound scan

A targeted test performed with a full bladder on the advice of a specialist. It is used to detect abnormalities of the urogenital system.

Test procedure: The patient clears the test area of clothing. During the ultrasound scan, the patient lies supine on the examination table, depending on the area affected. The skin is coated with a gel that helps the ultrasound waves to travel, and a probe is placed on the skin. The doctor moves the probe to obtain an image of the organs.

IMPORTANT: Drink plenty of fluids a few hours before the test.

THE ULTRASOUND MACHINES USED IN DR. ROSE PRIVATE HOSPITAL ARE HIGH-END PRODUCTS FROM LEADING MANUFACTURERS: 

Our four Philips Affiniti 50 and one Philips Affiniti 30 premium ultrasound machines provide efficient and reliable diagnostic performance. They provide high-quality images, fast diagnostic information, an easy-to-use interface and ergonomic design. 

Our GE Voluson S8 high-tech gynecology and obstetrics ultrasound equipment provides high diagnostic reliability with features optimized for specific areas. This premium category device is suitable for both routine ultrasound examinations and precision, detailed diagnostics. 

The GE Vivid T8 is a hybrid cardiovascular ultrasound system, offering both the proven echocardiographic imaging capabilities of GE Vivid systems and exceptional sonographic performance in the field of internal medicine.