Ultrasound examination is based on the interaction of ultrasound with human tissue: as it passes through different biological media, it is absorbed, scattered and reflected to varying degrees.
Ultrasound diagnostics is a standard method for many conditions and can also be used for screening. Ultrasound should also be used for early preclinical diagnosis, in situations where the patient has not yet had any disease or symptoms.
The method does not expose the patient to radiation and is considered harmless. Ultrasound does, however, have a number of limitations. The method is not standardised, and the quality of the examination depends on the equipment used and the doctor’s expertise.
The purposes of ultrasound examination:
- Visualising the condition of the internal organs and their relationships, ruling out organic pathology and assessing individual and anatomical features;
- Detecting disease at every stage of the pathological process;
- Diagnosis in the absence of clear clinical symptoms;
- Monitoring over time, tracking the course of treatment and assessing the results of therapy;
- Choosing the right treatment strategy for the patient, including timely treatment planning.
The advantages of ultrasound diagnostics:
- Safety (no penetrating radiation);
- Highly informative results;
- Can be repeated several times a day;
- Accessible, quick, painless and simple;
- Non-invasive (the skin remains intact and no toxic contrast agents are introduced).
Ultrasound diagnostics is recommended by World Health Organization (WHO) experts as the primary diagnostic procedure for various diseases of the internal organs.
Which organs can be examined:
- Kidneys and adrenal glands;
- Liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen;
- Blood vessels of the neck;
- Thyroid and breasts;
- Pelvic organs (bladder; in men the prostate, in women the uterus and ovaries);
- Scrotal organs;
- Foetus and embryo;
- Blood vessels of the legs (arteries and veins);
- Soft tissues and the ligaments of the joints (most effectively the knee and shoulder).
Swiss diagnostic centres offer a variety of health check programmes. A programme includes a comprehensive examination of the patient and the arrangement of individual treatment:
- A discussion of the full medical history with the doctor;
- Laboratory tests of liver, kidney and thyroid function, blood sugar and blood lipids, and blood tests;
- A cardiac assessment on an exercise bike (ECG at rest and under exertion);
- Lung function tests (including total lung capacity and airway resistance);
- A consultation with the doctor (a discussion of all results and recommendations for improving your general health);
- Your personal medical record (in German or English);
- Individual support throughout the programme.
The medical centre’s professional team of doctors works closely with specialist institutes to handle cases of any complexity.
A health check in Switzerland always comes with the highest level of comfort and accommodation, whether in a clinic or a dedicated hotel.
