ULTRASOUND IMAGING – SONOGRAPHY

Ultrasound imaging or sonography is widely used to examine various organ systems. For example: in the examination of internal organs, blood vessels, the thyroid gland and soft tissues.
The examination assesses the shape, size and structure of the organs and, if necessary, the direction and speed of blood flow in the blood vessels. The skeletal system is not examined using ultrasound imaging and using ultrasound to exam intestines is uninformative.
Ultrasound imaging does not use X-rays, instead utilizes high-frequency ultrasound waves.
The examination usually lasts 10-15 minutes. If the examination involves a treatment procedure or if an extensive ultrasound protocol is used, it may take longer to perform the examination. Ultrasound examinations are usually requested by the treating physician by issuing a referral and/or booking an appointment. A referral is not required if the patient pays for the examination. At ACME Ultrasound Centre, we perform ultrasound examinations on both adults and children from the age of 2 years.
The ultrasound machine processes the vibrations reflected from the tissues and an image of the part of the body being examined appears on the computer screen. The image can be analysed directly from the screen during the examination and saved electronically.
Ultrasound imaging is highly informative, easy to perform, painless and safe.
Diagnostic ultrasound imaging has been used worldwide for over 35 years. According to current views, an ultrasound used in medical examinations does not have a detrimental biological effect. Ultrasound examinations can also be performed safely on pregnant women. If necessary, the examination can be performed several times a day.

When to use ultrasound for diagnostics:

Diagnostics of internal organs (liver, kidneys, spleen, gallbladder, etc.) and detection of medical conditions
Evaluation of the shape and size of the mammary glands and the prostate, and detection of medical conditions
Assessment of focal changes in subcutaneous tissue and soft tissues
Assessment of vascular status (atherosclerotic changes in the walls of blood vessels – reduction of the lumen, thickening of the lining of blood vessels, presence of thrombus masses)
Evaluation of thyroid structure – nodes, size, etc.
Traumatic changes in muscles and tendons – muscle strains, suspected calcaneal tendon injury, shoulder sprains, calcific tendinitis (calcium deposition around and in tendons), bursitis (mucositis), etc.
Evaluation of excess fluid in large joints
Performing various treatment procedures under ultrasound guidance (e.g. intra-articular injections, ultrasound-guided puncture or drainage of fluid)

Are there any contraindications to ultrasound:

There are no contraindications to ultrasound. Diagnostic ultrasound imaging has been used worldwide for over 35 years. According to current views, an ultrasound used in medical examinations does not have a detrimental biological effect. Ultrasound examinations can also be performed safely on pregnant women. If necessary, the examination can be performed several times a day.
Ultrasound imaging is highly informative, easy to perform, painless and safe.