Ultrasound (sonography) uses inaudible sound waves to visualize organs, vessels and soft tissue in real time — entirely without radiation. It is painless, quick and versatile: from abdominal examinations to thyroid checks and pregnancy monitoring.
Typical Areas of Use
- Investigation of abdominal pain (liver, gallbladder, kidneys, bladder)
- Examination of the thyroid gland
- Pregnancy monitoring
- Assessment of tendons, muscles and joints
- Examination of blood vessels and circulation
- Investigation of lumps and swellings
How It Works
- 1You expose the area of the body to be examined and lie down on the examination table; the room is usually slightly dimmed.
- 2The doctor applies a contact gel to your skin — it feels cool at first and ensures that the sound waves are transmitted properly.
- 3She moves the transducer over your skin and views the images live on the monitor; you may occasionally be asked to take a deep breath or change position.
- 4The gel is wiped off and the doctor usually discusses the results with you directly.
How to Prepare
- For an abdominal examination you should fast for a few hours depending on the clinical question — the practice's instructions are authoritative.
- For examinations of the lower abdomen or bladder, a full bladder is sometimes helpful; the practice will inform you in advance.
- For most other ultrasound examinations no preparation is necessary.
Side Effects & Risks
- Diagnostic ultrasound does not use ionising radiation and is considered very safe when applied correctly by trained professionals. It can be used repeatedly when there is a medical indication.
- The quality of information depends on the acoustic conditions: air in the intestine or deeper structures can limit visibility.
- Sometimes additional imaging such as CT or MRI is needed if the ultrasound does not provide a clear answer.
There is nothing to observe after an ultrasound — you can return directly to your daily routine. Because the doctor assesses the images live, you will usually learn the most important findings during the same consultation. Please get in touch if your symptoms persist or worsen despite unremarkable findings — additional investigation may then be useful.
Cost & Insurance
Ultrasound examinations performed or ordered by a doctor are generally covered by basic insurance; the deductible and co-payment apply as usual. Special maternity benefit rules apply to routine pregnancy check-ups, which are largely exempt from the Franchise and Selbstbehalt. If in doubt, please check with your health insurer; this information is provided for guidance only and without guarantee.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does an ultrasound hurt?
- No. You only feel the cool gel and the gentle pressure of the transducer on your skin. Only if the area being examined is already tender to pressure might it be briefly uncomfortable.
- Do I have to fast for an ultrasound?
- Only for certain abdominal examinations — the gallbladder and other organs are then easier to assess. The practice will tell you when you make the appointment whether and for how long you should fast.
- Is ultrasound safe during pregnancy?
- Yes, diagnostic ultrasound is considered safe even during pregnancy and is an integral part of pregnancy monitoring. There is no radiation exposure.
- How quickly will I have the result?
- Usually immediately: the doctor sees the images live and generally discusses the most important findings with you directly.
- Why is an MRI or CT sometimes needed after the ultrasound?
- Ultrasound is an excellent initial screening tool, but reaches its limits with deep-lying structures or those obscured by air. If a question remains unanswered, additional imaging can provide clarity — your doctor will decide this together with you.