{"id":2554,"date":"2024-08-01T15:14:25","date_gmt":"2024-08-01T15:14:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.xclinic.pt\/exames\/ultrasound"},"modified":"2026-03-26T16:57:11","modified_gmt":"2026-03-26T16:57:11","slug":"ultrasound","status":"publish","type":"exames","link":"https:\/\/www.xclinic.pt\/en\/exams\/ultrasound","title":{"rendered":"Ultrasound"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ultrasound is one of the most widely used imaging exams in medicine, thanks to its safety, speed, and reliability. It is based on high-frequency sound waves that allow real-time visualization of internal organs, soft tissues, and blood vessels. Without using radiation, it is a first-line diagnostic method to assess different areas of the body, monitor diseases, and support medical procedures.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>What is an Ultrasound and what is it for?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves emitted by a probe and transmitted through tissues, which reflect them to form an image of the examined area.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At X-Clinic, ultrasounds are performed with the latest technology, using High-Resolution Digital Ultrasound equipment, including three-dimensional technology and real-time 3D visualization (4D), Color Doppler, and panoramic imaging.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is a simple, safe, non-invasive, and painless technique. It does not use ionizing radiation and is therefore considered a harmless diagnostic method, including for children and pregnant women.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ultrasound is used in different areas of medicine to:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Assess the structure and function of organs and tissues;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Support early diagnosis of diseases;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Monitor treatments or surgeries;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Carry out screening and preventive follow-up exams.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>How much do ultrasounds cost?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The price of most ultrasounds performed at X-Clinic on a<\/span><b> private basis<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is <\/span><b>between \u20ac50 and \u20ac60<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (out-of-pocket). However, X-Clinic has the following agreements:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ADSE (the patient only pays the co-payment of \u20ac6 a \u20ac8), ADM GNR, SAD PSP;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Insurance companies:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> M\u00e9dis, Multicare, Advance Care, Allianz, Sa\u00fade Prime, Future HealthCare, SS CGD, SAMS Quadros, SAMS, Montepio, RNA, Generali, Mudum, MGEN, Aegon, Vit\u00f3ria, Una Seguros, other insurers;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Health Plans:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Medicare, Sa\u00fade Prime, Future HealthCare, Continente Wells, ACP, other health plans. <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The final price varies depending on the healthcare system or insurance you want to use.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>How is it performed?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During an ultrasound, the patient lies on an examination table in a dimly lit room to facilitate image reading.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The doctor applies a transparent gel to the skin, which enables proper transmission of sound waves and allows the probe to glide smoothly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Moving images are observed in real time on a screen and interpreted by a doctor specialized in medical imaging.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In some cases, the probe may be inserted inside the body (endovaginal or transrectal), allowing a closer view of certain organs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The procedure generally lasts between 10 and 30 minutes, depending on the type of ultrasound.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-2359\" src=\"https:\/\/www.xclinic.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/ecografia.jpg\" alt=\"ultrasound\" width=\"1204\" height=\"738\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.xclinic.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/ecografia.jpg 1204w, https:\/\/www.xclinic.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/ecografia-300x184.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.xclinic.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/ecografia-1024x628.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.xclinic.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/ecografia-768x471.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1204px) 100vw, 1204px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>What does it detect?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In general, ultrasound is a very versatile exam that can detect structural and functional changes in different organs and tissues. It can identify masses, cysts, and nodules, as well as signs of inflammation or infection. With Doppler, it can also evaluate blood flow, which is useful in the study of vascular diseases. This exam also enables the detection of stones and obstructions in organs such as the kidneys or gallbladder, as well as changes in the morphology of various internal organs. Depending on the area assessed, ultrasound helps determine the presence, location, extent, and characteristics of lesions, and it is also a key tool for monitoring the evolution of conditions over time.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Types of Ultrasound Scans<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ultrasound is a versatile exam, indicated in many clinical situations. At X-Clinic, you can undergo several types of ultrasound, namely:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Abdominal ultrasound<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: evaluation of the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, and other abdominal organs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Scrotal\/testicular ultrasound<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: evaluation of the testicles, epididymis, and scrotal sacs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Breast ultrasound<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: study of the mammary glands and differentiation of solid or fluid-filled nodules.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Pelvic\/gynecological ultrasound (suprapubic and endovaginal):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> evaluation of the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and pelvic vessels. There are two techniques to observe pelvic organs: the suprapubic technique (the probe is placed on the skin of the lower abdomen) and the transvaginal or endovaginal technique (the probe is placed inside the vagina).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Prostate ultrasound<\/b> <b>(suprapubic and transrectal)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: evaluation of the shape, texture, and integrity of the prostate. Transrectal prostate ultrasound, performed by inserting a small probe into the patient\u2019s rectum, is an excellent exam for prostate assessment and for diagnosing prostate carcinoma.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Renal and adrenal ultrasound: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">evaluation of the kidneys regarding their morphology and density, as well as the urinary tract. It also allows detection of possible nodules or masses, kidney stones, or urinary obstructions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Thyroid ultrasound<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: evaluation of thyroid volume, texture, and nodules.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Suprapubic bladder ultrasound: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">visualization of the bladder, prostate, and seminal vesicles, performed via the suprapubic route.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Salivary gland ultrasound<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: detection of nodules, cysts, or stones in the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Musculoskeletal (or joint) ultrasound: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">study of various joint structures, such as the shoulder, knee, elbow, and ankle, as well as muscles, tendons, ligaments, bursae, synovial membranes, and menisci.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Preparing for an Ultrasound<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Preparation varies according to the area being studied:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Abdominal ultrasound<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: fast for 6 hours before the exam; you may take your usual medication.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Scrotal\/testicular ultrasound<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: no prior preparation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Breast ultrasound<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: no prior preparation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Pelvic\/gynecological ultrasound (suprapubic and endovaginal)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: full bladder; do not urinate 1 hour before, or drink 1 liter of water one hour prior to the exam.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Prostate ultrasound<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><b> 1) Suprapubic:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> drink 1 liter of water one hour before;<\/span><b> 2) Transrectal: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">perform 2 cleansing enemas one hour before leaving home.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Renal and adrenal ultrasound<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: no prior preparation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Thyroid ultrasound<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: no prior preparation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Suprapubic bladder ultrasound<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: drink 1 liter of water before the exam.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Salivary gland ultrasound<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: no prior preparation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Musculoskeletal ultrasound: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">no prior preparation.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In all cases, bring previous exams (radiological and laboratory), whenever available, and make sure to bring the exam prescription.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Where to have it done?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ultrasound can be performed at <\/span><b>X-Clinic <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(Av. Eng. Duarte Pacheco, n\u00ba26 &#8211; Mezzanine floor, 1070-110 Lisbon) or at <\/span><b>NRD <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(Avenida Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro, n\u00ba 11-B, ground floor, 1070-060 Lisbon \u2013 next to Pra\u00e7a de Espanha).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-3166 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.xclinic.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/ecografo-xclinic.jpg\" alt=\"X-Clinic ultrasound machine\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.xclinic.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/ecografo-xclinic.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.xclinic.pt\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/ecografo-xclinic-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","class_list":["post-2554","exames","type-exames","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.xclinic.pt\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/exames\/2554","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.xclinic.pt\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/exames"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.xclinic.pt\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/exames"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.xclinic.pt\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2554"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}