Ultrasound scan
An ultrasound scan provides live images of the body’s organs and tissues. The examination can be used to examine muscles, tendons, joints, blood vessels, glands and the organs in the abdomen, among other things.

An ultrasound scan uses sound waves. X-rays are therefore not used.

At CPH Privathospital, the examination is performed by a consultant in radiology. The doctor informs and guides you through the examination so you know what will happen.

What is an ultrasound scan?

During an ultrasound scan, a small scanner head is moved across the skin in the area to be examined.

The scanner head emits sound waves that are reflected back from the body’s tissues and converted into live images on a screen. In this way, the doctor can examine the body’s organs and tissues while the examination is in progress.

Ultrasound can also be used to examine movement and blood flow.

What can an ultrasound scan be used for?
At CPH Privathospital, we offer ultrasound scans of, among other things:

• Abdomen and abdominal cavity
• Liver and bile ducts
• Kidneys and urinary tract
• Thyroid gland and salivary glands
• Neck and carotid arteries
• Lymph nodes
• Groin
• Testicles
• Muscles, tendons and joints
• Soft tissues and lumps under the skin
• Blood vessels

Ultrasound scans can be used to examine changes in the body’s organs and tissues, fluid accumulations, swellings and lumps, among other things.

It is your doctor and our specialists who assess which examination is relevant for you.

How is an ultrasound scan performed?

Before the examination, the consultant will inform you about the procedure.

You typically lie on an examination table while the doctor applies a water-based gel to the skin. The gel helps the sound waves move between the scanner head and the body.

The doctor then moves the scanner head across the area to be examined. During the examination, you may be asked to change position or hold your breath briefly so the area can be examined from different angles.

An ultrasound scan is generally painless. However, you may experience slight pressure from the scanner head, particularly if the area is already tender.

The examination typically takes between 5 and 15 minutes, but the time may vary depending on what is being examined.

Preparation before the examination

Most ultrasound scans require no special preparation.

For some examinations of the abdomen, it may be necessary to fast before the examination. For examinations of the bladder and the lower part of the abdomen, among others, you may be asked to attend with a full bladder.

You will receive information about how to prepare for your specific examination. It is important that you follow the instructions in your appointment letter, as the preparation can affect the image quality.

You can generally take your usual medication, unless you have been given other instructions.

Ultrasound with tissue sample or drainage

Ultrasound can be used to guide a needle precisely to the area to be examined or treated.

This may be relevant for, among other things:

• Taking a tissue sample
• Drainage of a cyst or fluid collection
• Other forms of puncture

If you are to undergo a procedure in connection with the ultrasound scan, you will receive separate information about preparation and the procedure.

The doctor will inform you about the examination before you begin. For some procedures, local anaesthesia may be used.

Ultrasound-guided block

Ultrasound can also be used to place a block precisely around a joint, a tendon or another area.

During an ultrasound-guided block, the doctor follows the needle’s placement on the screen while the treatment is performed.

You will receive more detailed information about the treatment, any medication and precautions before the examination.

Advantages and limitations of ultrasound

Ultrasound scanning produces live images and can show movement and blood flow while the examination is in progress.

X-rays are not used, and ultrasound can therefore also be used during pregnancy when the examination is relevant.

However, ultrasound cannot show all parts of the body equally clearly. Air and bones can limit the movement of the sound waves, and bones, lungs and intestines, among others, cannot therefore always be fully examined with ultrasound.

In some cases, it may be necessary to supplement with another medical imaging examination.

Can everyone have an ultrasound scan?

The vast majority of people can have an ultrasound scan.

Please inform us before the examination if you are pregnant and are to undergo a procedure or receive medication in connection with the examination.

In some cases, image quality may be affected by, among other things, the examination area and the body’s tissues. The consultant assesses during the examination whether the ultrasound scan provides the necessary information.

Referral for ultrasound scan

You must have a referral to have an ultrasound scan.

The referral contains the information that the consultant needs to plan the correct examination. It also tells us who the result should be sent to.

If one of the consultants at CPH Privathospital assesses that you need an ultrasound scan as part of your pathway, the doctor can refer you directly.

When will you receive the result?

During an ultrasound scan, the consultant assesses the images while the examination is in progress.

After the examination, the result is described and sent to the doctor or practitioner who referred you. It is the referring doctor or practitioner who reviews the result with you and discusses the further pathway with you.

Price of ultrasound scan

The price depends on which area is to be examined and whether a procedure is to be performed in connection with the examination.

See our current prices for ultrasound scans, tissue samples and drainage of cysts.

Contact and appointment booking

If you have questions about the examination or wish to book an appointment, you are welcome to contact CPH Privathospital.

Phone: +45 70 21 80 00
Email: info@cph-privathospital.dk