General Ultrasound
RelationalDoctors 6/20/2025 11:40:20 AM
Radiology and Ultrasound Examinations at Liv Duna Medical Center
Radiology
Radiology is the collective term for imaging diagnostic tests. With imaging diagnostics, any part or organ of the body can be visualized in great detail. Most radiological examinations, except for ultrasound diagnostics, are performed using X-rays. The radiology department at Duna Medical Center is equipped with advanced, state-of-the-art technology. In addition to the quality of the equipment, the expertise and experience of radiologists and radiology assistants significantly influence the reliability of the examination results. Therefore, highly trained and experienced professionals are available to assist patients at our facility.
Ultrasound Examinations
Ultrasound examinations can detect various issues and organ abnormalities. Ultrasound is a painless procedure. It is most commonly used for gastroenterology, gynecology, internal medicine, endocrinology, urology, vascular (Doppler ultrasound), and joint complaints.
Abdominal/Pelvic Ultrasound
Abdominal and pelvic ultrasound creates images of organs from the diaphragm to the pubic bone, including abdominal organs and soft tissues (liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, bladder) as well as lymph nodes. This examination is often recommended for unexplained abdominal pain, urinary, and menstrual issues. It is also used for monitoring known conditions and checking for cancer.
Abdominal and pelvic ultrasound is performed on an empty stomach, with a minimum 6-hour fast beforehand. If the patient is taking medication, it can be taken on the morning of the examination but only with non-carbonated water. To ensure clearer visibility of the pelvic organs, a full bladder is necessary, so the patient should refrain from urinating two hours before the examination.
How the Examination is Conducted
The abdominal and pelvic ultrasound is typically performed while lying on your back using a special probe and a water-soluble gel, which is applied to the area being examined. It is important to remain still during the procedure and follow the technician’s instructions. Sometimes, you may be asked to turn to one side for better visualization of certain organs. At the end of the exam, the gel can be easily wiped off and will not leave any residue.
The procedure generally takes 20-30 minutes, is painless, free of ionizing radiation, and carries no complications.
Recommended Age and Frequency of the Exam
The exam can be performed at any age, and pregnancy is not a contraindication. Its advantages include being quick, easily accessible, providing high-resolution detailed images, and not using ionizing radiation. For screening purposes, it is recommended every 1-2 years, depending on general health. It can also be done as needed based on symptoms.
When is the Examination Recommended?
Abdominal discomfort, lower abdominal cramps, and unexplained abdominal complaints are often primary indications for this imaging method. The exam is typically performed after a thorough physical examination, detailed medical history, and laboratory test results. A preliminary diagnosis often emerges based on the clinical assessment. A high-resolution abdominal ultrasound can rule out many conditions. However, inadequate preparation may result in insufficient findings, especially for abdominal and pelvic organs (e.g., an empty bladder may prevent proper evaluation of the pelvis and bladder).
What Should I Do Before the Abdominal Ultrasound?
Arrive on an empty stomach but drinking non-carbonated water is allowed.
When Will I Receive the Report?
A written report will be provided immediately after the ultrasound examination.
Neck Soft Tissues, Thyroid, Blood Vessels, Testicles, and Joint Ultrasound
Ultrasound of the neck soft tissues and thyroid is used to assess neck pain, difficulty swallowing, thyroid function disorders, or for monitoring known conditions, cancer detection, post-surgical follow-up, or screening purposes. Doppler ultrasound can evaluate abnormal conditions or injuries in blood vessels (arteries, veins, aorta). Joint and testicular ultrasound may be necessary for muscle injuries, abnormalities, and inflammation. These ultrasounds do not require any preparation.
The examination typically takes 15-20 minutes depending on the anatomical area.
At Duna Medical Center, an official referral is not required, but it is recommended that the referring physician provides a description of the patient’s medical history and clinical questions. Please bring any available medical records with you.
Cardiac Ultrasound Examination
Cardiac ultrasound is performed alongside a specialist consultation, capturing moving images of the heart. It enables the assessment of heart chambers, surrounding walls, valves, and pericardium. It is a gentle, non-harmful, and painless procedure. Conditions such as post-heart attack wall motion abnormalities, scarring, valve diseases, abnormal blood flow between heart chambers, fluid accumulation in the pericardium, or blood clots in the heart chambers can be detected.
During the initial cardiology consultation, a cardiac ultrasound (echocardiography) is often recommended to assess the condition of the heart in detail.
Pregnancy Ultrasound
At our facility, we offer continuous pregnancy care starting from early pregnancy, providing 2D, 3D, and 4D ultrasound examinations.
For more details, visit the Pregnancy Care Examinations and Pregnancy Care Packages page.
