Ultrasound

Ultrasound is a medical imaging method that uses high-frequency sound waves to visualize the internal structures of the body. The answer to the question “What is ultrasound?” can be briefly described as a non-invasive imaging technique that helps examine organs and tissues in real time. Since ultrasound does not use ionizing radiation, it can be used for different age groups and, when medically necessary, during pregnancy follow-up.

The ultrasound probe sends sound waves into the body and detects the echoes reflected from tissues and organs. The device processes these signals and creates images that allow the physician to evaluate the structure of the examined area. During an ultrasound examination, a gel is generally applied to the skin, and the probe is moved over the area being examined. The procedure is usually painless and does not require an incision.

Ultrasound can be used to examine various organs and areas of the body, including:

• The liver, gallbladder, and kidneys
• The thyroid and neck region
• Breast tissue
• The uterus and ovaries
• Fetal development during pregnancy
• Muscles, tendons, and certain soft tissues

The area to be examined and whether any preparation is required before the procedure may vary depending on the type of ultrasound. For some examinations, patients may be asked to have a full bladder or avoid eating for a certain period before the procedure. Ultrasound findings are evaluated by the physician together with the patient’s symptoms and other clinical findings, contributing to the diagnosis and follow-up process.

Types of ultrasound vary depending on the body area to be imaged, the purpose of the examination, and the tissues or organs to be evaluated. Some methods are used to examine organs in the abdominal and pelvic regions. Others help evaluate blood flow, the heart, or the course of pregnancy.

When deciding which ultrasound method to use, factors such as the person’s complaints, examination findings, and the health condition being investigated by the physician are taken into consideration. Whether the examination is performed through the skin, via body cavities, or using endoscopic methods may also vary depending on the type of ultrasound. Each ultrasound method has different characteristics according to the area being examined and the purpose of the evaluation.

Abdominal Ultrasonography

This method is used to image intra-abdominal organs such as the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, and kidneys. It is commonly used in the evaluation of conditions such as abdominal pain, bloating, or liver diseases.

Pelvic Ultrasonography

It is used to image the organs in the pelvic region. In women, the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes are examined with this method, while in men the prostate and bladder are evaluated. In women, it is used in the diagnosis of conditions such as ovarian cysts or uterine fibroids, while in men it is used to evaluate conditions such as prostate enlargement or bladder stones.

Doppler Ultrasonography

It is used to examine blood flow. This method is ideal for evaluating vascular blockages, vascular dilatations, and blood flow velocity. Conditions such as blood clots in the legs or narrowing of the carotid artery can also be detected with Doppler ultrasound.

For more detailed information about how the examination is performed and its areas of use, you can read our article titled Color Doppler.

Pregnancy Ultrasonography

It is used to monitor fetal development during pregnancy. It is performed at different stages of pregnancy to evaluate the baby’s health and growth. While gestational age is determined in the first trimester, fetal anatomy and development are monitored in later periods.

For detailed information about the periods in which ultrasound is used during pregnancy and the evaluation process, you can read our article titled Ultrasonography in Pregnancy.

Echocardiography

Also known as heart ultrasound, it is used to evaluate the structure and functions of the heart as well as blood flow. It provides detailed information about the heart valves, heart muscle, and major blood vessels.

For more information about how the method is performed and the conditions that can be evaluated, you can read our article titled Echocardiography.

Endoscopic Ultrasonography

It combines endoscopy and ultrasound and is used to examine the walls of digestive system organs and the surrounding tissues. It is effective in the evaluation of the pancreas, bile ducts, and digestive system tumors.

Transvaginal Ultrasonography

It is a type of ultrasound performed through the vagina and is used to examine the female reproductive organs in greater detail. It is preferred for conditions such as ovarian cysts, abnormalities within the uterus, or early pregnancy monitoring.

For detailed information about how the examination is performed and the structures evaluated, you can read our article titled Vaginal Ultrasonography.

Before performing ultrasonography, the patient may need to make certain preparations. For abdominal ultrasound, the patient may need to fast for a few hours, or for pelvic ultrasound, they may need to fill their bladder. The doctor will provide specific instructions in this regard.

During the ultrasonography procedure, the patient lies on an examination table. Depending on the area to be imaged, the patient is positioned accordingly. For abdominal ultrasound, the patient lies on their back, while for pelvic ultrasound, a position with bent knees is provided.

A special gel is applied to the area to be examined to enhance the transmission of sound waves. This gel helps the transducer, a device that moves easily over the skin, to obtain clear images.

The transducer, the part of the ultrasound device, is placed on the area to be imaged. The transducer sends high-frequency sound waves, which bounce back after hitting the tissues in the body. The returning sound waves are collected by the device and converted into images. The obtained images are displayed instantly on the monitor.

The doctor or ultrasonography technician evaluates the images and performs the necessary measurements and examinations. During this process, the patient may be asked to breathe deeply or stay in a certain position. Once the ultrasonography procedure is complete, the obtained images and findings are evaluated by the doctor. The results are communicated to the patient immediately after the procedure or shortly thereafter.

How Long Does an Ultrasound Take?

An ultrasound examination is generally completed within 15 to 45 minutes. The duration of the procedure may vary depending on the body area to be evaluated and the scope of the images requested. Examination of the thyroid, breast, or superficial soft tissues is usually shorter. Evaluation of the abdominal organs, urinary system, pregnancy, or vascular structures may take longer. Imaging more than one area during the same appointment can also increase the total duration.

The duration is also affected by the measurements that need to be obtained and the level of detail required in the images, along with the examination area. In pregnancy ultrasound, the baby’s position may prolong the procedure, while in Doppler ultrasound, separate evaluation of blood flow in different vessels may increase the duration. The anatomical structure of the area to be imaged or the patient’s difficulty in moving may also affect the time required. If an additional finding needs to be evaluated during the examination, images from different angles and new measurements may be required.

The stated time generally covers the imaging stage. The total time spent at the healthcare center may be longer due to appointment registration, preparation, review of previous examinations, and preparation of the report. For some types of ultrasound, preparations such as fasting, drinking water, or having a full bladder may be required before the procedure. The estimated duration of the examination can be learned before the appointment by specifying the type of ultrasound and the area to be examined.

Ultrasound Prices 2026

As of 2026, ultrasound prices vary depending on the type of examination to be performed, the area to be evaluated, and the scope of the procedure. The pricing of abdominal, thyroid, breast, or urinary system ultrasound examinations may differ from more comprehensive examinations such as Color Doppler, pregnancy ultrasonography, and echocardiography.

The number of areas to be imaged, whether the examination is performed unilaterally or bilaterally, and whether additional Doppler measurements are required are taken into account when determining the price. In procedures that include detailed measurements, comparison with previous examinations or evaluation of more than one organ may also affect the fee.

Whether reporting services, specialist evaluation, and image records are included in the stated fee may vary depending on the healthcare institution. If a follow-up examination, additional imaging, or a different ultrasound method is needed, the scope of pricing may be reassessed.

Before the procedure, instead of making a decision based only on the starting price, it is important to learn which services are included. When requesting current fee information, the name of the ultrasound examination, the area to be imaged, and any additional evaluations requested by the physician should be clearly specified. It is also useful for planning to obtain information before the appointment about preparation requirements, report delivery time, and which services are included in the payment.

Frequently Asked Questions

For information about ultrasound examinations, preparation requirements, and the appointment process, you can contact Denge Tıp.