Ultrasound

Ultrasound (USG) is one of the most frequently performed imaging examinations. Thanks to Medistore, you can easily make an appointment for an examination at the date and medical facility of your choice throughout Poland. The offer includes abdominal ultrasound, joint and tendon ultrasound, thyroid ultrasound as well as gynaecological ultrasound. Check out the available examinations and make an appointment!

What is an ultrasound (USG)?

Ultrasound (USG) is a diagnostic test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of internal organs, soft tissues, and blood vessels. These waves penetrate the skin and are reflected to varying degrees by internal structures, creating an image on the ultrasound device's screen.

What are the types of ultrasound exams?

There are many types of ultrasound exams, depending on the area of the body being examined. Among them are:

abdominal ultrasound,
urinary system ultrasound,
thyroid ultrasound,
breast ultrasound,
vascular ultrasound (Doppler ultrasound),
lymph node ultrasound,
joint ultrasound,
tendon ultrasound,
heart ultrasound (echocardiography),
gynecological ultrasound (transvaginal),
pregnancy ultrasound (prenatal ultrasound),
testicular ultrasound.

What diseases can ultrasound detect?

Ultrasound can help detect many diseases and pathological conditions, such as:

tumor changes,
hematomas and cysts,
kidney stones,
blood vessel narrowing,
thyroid diseases,
fetal developmental abnormalities,
degenerative joint changes,
heart diseases,
changes in blood vessels,
liver changes.

Indications for ultrasound examination

Indications for an ultrasound include:

abdominal pain;
kidney problems;
difficulty and pain during urination;
suspected kidney or bladder disease;
pregnancy confirmation and monitoring;
thyroid problems;
joint pain and swelling (knee, elbow, hip)—especially after an injury;
lumps or nodules in tissues detected by touch;
pain in the liver or spleen area.

The ultrasound procedure

If the patient has any concerns or questions regarding the procedure, they should contact the medical facility where the ultrasound will be performed. The medical staff will gladly provide all necessary information and dispel any doubts the patient may have.

Frequently asked questions

What is the ultrasound exam like?

During the exam, the patient lies on a couch, and the doctor applies a special gel to the skin, which helps conduct the sound waves. The doctor then moves the transducer over the skin, emitting waves that reflect off internal organs. The reflection creates an image on the monitor, allowing the doctor to assess the condition of the examined structures.

At the end of the exam, the patient receives images taken during the ultrasound, which should be brought to the attending physician for interpretation of the results.

How to prepare for an ultrasound?

Ultrasound usually does not require special preparation. Primarily, the patient should wear loose and comfortable clothing that can easily be removed during the exam. It is also important to bring any medical documents and results from previous tests if they are up-to-date.

For an abdominal ultrasound, it may be necessary to drink plenty of water before the test, which will allow the specialist to assess the structures more accurately.

Is an ultrasound exam painless?

The ultrasound exam is completely safe and painless. The patient may feel slight discomfort from the pressure of the transducer on the skin, particularly in areas of pain.

How long does an ultrasound take?

Depending on the area of the body being examined, an ultrasound may take from 15 to 30 minutes.