The Bioscan Ultrasound Department is equipped with a state-of-the art General Electric ultrasound system, which permits all types of exams. An ultrasound scan is one of the most important imaging tests, as it is a simple, safe, high-resolution, accurate and reliable method.
The ultrasound system does not use ionizing radiation (as is the case with X-rays) and patients are not exposed to radiation. The main advantage of the ultrasound is the variety of techniques (2D and 3D ultrasounds, color ultrasounds) that allow imaging of the body organs, as well as the bloodstream, in real time.
How is an ultrasound performed
During an ultrasound exam, the doctor will ask you to lie down. You will then be asked to remove any clothes from the area to be examined. A special lubricant gel will be spread over the area to be examined (it is a gel that prevents the creation of air pockets between the skin and the ultrasound transducer). The doctor will then place the ultrasound transducer on your body and monitor the scan on a special screen of the ultrasound system. The exam is quite short and does not cause any discomfort. After the end of the exam, you may return to your normal activities.
Ultrasound Scans
- Thyroid and parathyroid gland ultrasound
- Neck ultrasound
- Breast and axillary space ultrasound
- Soft tissue and subcutaneous tissue ultrasound
- Musculoskeletal system ultrasound
- Liver ultrasound
- Gallbladder and biliary ultrasound
- Pancreatic ultrasound
- Spleen ultrasound
- Kidney ultrasound
- Adrenal gland ultrasound
- Mesenteric and para-aortic lymph node ultrasound
- Urinary bladder ultrasound
- Prostate ultrasound
- Uterine, ovarian and fallopian tube ultrasound
- Inguinal space ultrasound
Special Ultrasound Scans
The transvaginal ultrasound is a simple and painless scan that is performed via the uterus, meaning it is an internal exam. The doctor uses a very thin probe, which is inserted in the vagina, at a small distance from the uterus and ovaries. This specific method examines the woman’s reproductive system (uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes), offering high-resolution images and excellent diagnostic results.
However, the transvaginal ultrasound cannot be performed in children and young girls, in which case the scan is performed externally on the suprapubic area. In this case, special preparation is needed in advance, which involves the consumption of a large quantity of water, so that the urinary bladder is full.
The transvaginal ultrasound can be performed at any stage of the cycle. However, the scan provides different information at each stage, therefore, it is best to schedule the exam after talking to a doctor.
A transvaginal ultrasound is recommended in the following cases:
- Following an abnormal pelvic or abdominal exam.
- When there is unexplained vaginal bleeding.
- When there is pelvic pain.
- To detect and identify ectopic pregnancy (miscarriage).
- To detect ovarian cysts and uterine fibroids.
The neonatal hip ultrasound using the Graf method is a reliable and safe exam that lays down the fundamental rules for the ultrasound imaging of neonatal hips in symptomatic and pre-symptomatic infants. It is a quick exam that is extremely friendly for the infant. Nowadays, this method is of pivotal importance, as its diagnostic accuracy is close to 100%, resulting in reducing the need for interventional treatment.
Developmental dysplasia of the hip, meaning an anomaly in the development of the joint, is a condition observed at birth, affecting 2 in 100 neonates. The presence of congenital dislocation – which is its most severe, yet rare, form – develops at a rate of 1-1.5 in 1000 neonates.
The cause of the specific condition is unknown, while it starts developing in utero. Some of the burdening factors seem to be twin pregnancy, positive family history, breech birth and specific geographic regions (Crete being one of them).
However, following many clinical studies in the last years, the ultrasound scan using the Graf method is one of the most powerful tools in the hands of radiologists, as it guarantees early diagnosis. As a result, a surgical procedure is avoided and the problem may be treated conservatively with special braces. On the other hand, undiagnosed or neglected cases may lead to early damage to the cartilage (osteoarthritis) or even more severe problems.
As the ultrasound imaging of the neonatal hip changes rapidly in the first few weeks of life, the scan must be performed within a specific time frame, ideally between 4 and 6 weeks, and no later than the 3rd month.
In the last years, elastography, the investigation of the elasticity and stiffness of tissue, has been introduced as a complementary exam to ultrasounds. The elastography is performed during an ultrasound scan and is painless.
The following elastographies are performed at Bioscan:
- Breast elastography
- Thyroid elastography
- Liver elastography
Clinical studies have shown that when an elastography is performed along with an ultrasound scan, then:
- More suitable findings are selected for biopsy.
- Cysts from malignancies with cyst-like features are observed more effectively.
- Small lesions are evaluated more accurately, when an ultrasound fails.
- The actual extent of the lesion is determined, when an ultrasound fails.
The vascular color Doppler ultrasound (triplex) is a safe and painless method that uses sound waves to evaluate the circulatory system. The main advantage of this scan is that it detects obstructions in the vessels and veins, as well as blood clots.
The Doppler exam forms part of the scan. With this special technique, the doctor observes and evaluates the blood flow through the vessels and veins to the internal body organs.
The vascular color Doppler ultrasound examines:
A. Peripheral vascular system
- Carotid and spinal artery color Doppler ultrasound
- Upper limb artery color Doppler ultrasound
- Lower limb artery color Doppler ultrasound
- Upper limb vein color Doppler ultrasound
- Lower limb vein color Doppler ultrasound
- Iliac artery color Doppler ultrasound
B. Splanchnic vascular system
- Abdominal aorta color Doppler ultrasound
- Kidney artery color Doppler ultrasound
- Splenoportal axis color Doppler ultrasound
The ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy is a significant diagnostic test used to evaluate abnormal findings in a rectal digital exam or in the case of increased prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels during a blood test. The exam is performed using a transrectal ultrasound device, for guided collection of samples from suspicious areas of the prostate.
The ultrasound-guided paracentesis of the thyroid is a significant diagnostic test used to evaluate a thyroid nodule with suspicious features. The paracentesis of the nodule is performed with the use of a fine needle under ultrasound guidance. The procedure is completely safe and well tolerated by the patient, while anesthesia is not required.
The scrotum color Doppler ultrasound or triplex is a very important diagnostic test, as it provides clear information about the condition of the scrotum. The ultrasound scan may reveal significant problems. It is recommended for further investigation of palpable masses, scrotal inflammation, varicocele and infertility. The exam is painless and quick, and patients may return to their normal activities after it has been completed.