Ultrasound examination
Ultrasound is a safe, painless imaging method that uses sound waves and involves no radiation exposure. It is used to examine a wide range of body areas, including the abdominal and pelvic organs, thyroid gland, breasts, blood vessels, joints, and soft tissues. Ultrasound also plays an important role in women’s health and pregnancy care.
How can I book an examination?
- You can choose to have your ultrasound examination either through the Estonian Health Insurance Fund (Tervisekassa) or as a self-funded service.
- A medical referral is required for examinations covered by Tervisekassa.
- If you choose a self-funded examination, no referral is required.
- If you have a referral but prefer an earlier or more convenient appointment, you may also choose a self-funded appointment and pay for the examination yourself.
- The results will be explained by the doctor who referred you for the examination. The radiologist’s report will also be available in the national patient portal (Digilugu).
Where can I have an ultrasound examination?
Linnamäe tee 3
Sepapaja 12/1
Ultrasound examinations are performed by radiologists, ultrasound specialists, and medical specialists with expertise in specific anatomical areas or types of examinations.
If you have a referral
- You can come for an ultrasound examination with a referral from a general practitioner, family doctor, or medical specialist.
- If you already have a referral, please book an appointment for the examination.
- You can choose either a free examination covered by the Estonian Health Insurance Fund (Tervisekassa) or a self-paid appointment.
- If you select a self-paid appointment, you will cover the cost of the examination yourself.
- If your referral states that the examination is to be paid by the patient, you will also need to pay for it yourself.
- In the self-service portal, you must log in to select the ultrasound examination that matches your referral.
If you do not have a referral
- You can come for a self-paid examination without a referral.
- Please choose the examination that best suits your needs.
- If the booked examination does not match your medical need and the required examination cannot be performed, the cost of the examination will not be refunded.
- If you are unsure which examination you need, you can book a paid telephone consultation before making an appointment.
Abdominal and pelvic ultrasound examination
An abdominal and pelvic ultrasound is used to assess the condition of the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, and pelvic organs, and to detect possible abnormalities.
Why is an abdominal and pelvic ultrasound performed?
- determine the cause of abdominal pain or discomfort
- evaluate digestive issues, bloating, or changes in bowel function
- detect diseases of the liver, gallbladder, kidneys, or bladder
- identify kidney or gallstones
- detect inflammatory processes and tumors
- identify fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity
- investigate gynecological symptoms (e.g. lower abdominal pain)
- monitor known medical conditions
What you need to know about the examination
- The examination is suitable for both adults and children
- You may eat a light meal up to 3 hours before the examinationIt is recommended to avoid eating immediately before the procedure. Small amounts of water may be consumed
- The examination is painless and safe.
Thyroid ultrasound
A thyroid ultrasound examination allows us to detect nodular changes, inflammation, and enlargement of the thyroid gland, which may affect metabolism and overall well-being.
Why is a thyroid ultrasound examination needed?
A thyroid ultrasound may be performed if you:
- have a noticeable lump or swelling in the neck area;
- need an assessment of thyroid enlargement;
- need further evaluation of abnormal blood test results (e.g., thyroid hormone levels);
- need to detect or monitor enlarged lymph nodes;
- need to determine the cause of possible inflammation;
- need monitoring of an already diagnosed thyroid disease.
What do you need to know about a thyroid ultrasound examination?
- You may eat and drink before the thyroid ultrasound examination.
Breast ultrasound
A breast ultrasound (US) helps assess the structure of the breasts and detect nodular changes, cysts, or inflammation that may not be palpable by hand. The examination is suitable for women of all ages, but it is especially useful for younger women, for whom mammography is not the first-choice method due to dense breast tissue.
Why is a breast ultrasound performed?
A breast ultrasound may be needed if you:
- have noticed a firm area, lump, or indentation in the breast;
- need evaluation of nipple discharge or skin changes;
- are being assessed for breast inflammation;
- wish to have a preventive breast examination;
- are planning breast surgery;
- need evaluation of issues related to breast implants;
- equire follow-up after breast surgery or treatment.
What should you know about a breast ultrasound?
- The examination is also suitable for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
- It is also suitable for men.
- You may eat and drink before the examination.
Ultrasound examination of blood vessels (arteries and veins)
Vascular ultrasound is a diagnostic imaging examination that evaluates the condition of arteries and veins, blood flow, and the presence of narrowing, blockages, or blood clots.Why is a vascular ultrasound needed?
The examination helps to:
- Identify the causes of leg swelling, pain, or a sensation of coldness.
- Detect varicose veins or deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
- Assess narrowing or blockage of arteries or veins.
- Monitor the condition of blood vessels after surgery or treatment.
What should you know about a vascular ultrasound?
You may eat and drink as usual before the examination.
Soft tissue ultrasound
A soft tissue ultrasound examination allows us to assess the condition of subcutaneous formations, muscles, and connective tissue, and to detect inflammation, masses, and cysts.
Why is a soft tissue ultrasound examination needed?
A soft tissue ultrasound may be performed if you need to:
- examine tissues in the neck area, including lymph nodes and salivary glands;
- assess axillary lymph nodes and tissues;
- examine tissues in the chest area;
- evaluate the condition of muscles and detect injuries;
- investigate changes in tissues beneath the skin;
- examine soft tissues and lymph nodes in the groin area;
- check for the presence of fluid in the pleural cavities and pericardium.
What do you need to know about a soft tissue ultrasound examination?
- You may eat and drink before the examination.
Rectal ultrasound
A rectal ultrasound examination provides a detailed overview of the condition of the rectum and surrounding tissues, helping to detect inflammation, tumors, or cysts.
It also helps assess the size, shape, and structure of the prostate, detecting inflammation, tumor-related changes, and possible causes of urinary flow obstruction.
Why is a rectal ultrasound examination needed?
A rectal ultrasound may be performed to:
- detect inflammatory changes around the rectum;
- identify hemorrhoids (enlarged veins);
- assess prostate inflammation and enlargement;
- determine the causes of frequent, painful, or intermittent urination;
- perform preventive screening after the age of 50;
- monitor the condition after surgery or treatment.
What do you need to know about a rectal ultrasound examination?
- The examination may cause some discomfort because the probe is gently inserted through the rectum.
- It is recommended to empty your bowels on the same day before the examination.
Cardiac ultrasound (echocardiography)
Echocardiography is an ultrasound examination of the heart that uses sound waves to create real-time images of its structure and function. It is a quick, painless, and safe procedure that helps diagnose conditions affecting the heart valves, heart muscle, and overall cardiac function.
Why might you need an echocardiogram?
An echocardiogram may be recommended to:
- determine the cause of shortness of breath, fatigue, or heart palpitations;
- assess your heart health and help detect potential problems at an early stage;
- identify signs of heart failure, which can cause swelling of the legs, abdomen, or face;
- evaluate the condition of your heart valves and heart muscle;
- investigate the cause of chest pain or a feeling of pressure in the chest.
What should you know about an echocardiogram?
- No special preparation is required.
- You can eat and drink as usual before the examination.
Liigeste ultraheliuuring
Liigeste ultraheli aitab hinnata liigeste, liigeseümbrise struktuuride, kõõluste ja pehmete kudede seisundit ning avastada võimalikke põletikke või vigastusi. Liigeste ultraheli saab teha põlve-, hüppeliigeste, õla-, küünar- ja randmeliigeste, labajalgade ja labakäe liigeste, sõrme, kannakõõluste ning muu liigese ja kõõluse probleemide korral.
Miks on vaja teha liigeste UH-uuringut?
Uuring on vajalik, et
- otsida liigesevalu, turse või liikumispiirangu põhjust;
- diagnoosida põletikule, näiteks artriiti või sünoviiti;
- hinnata kõõluste, sidemete või meniskite vigastust;
- leida vedeliku- või vere kogunemist liigesesse;
- uurida liigesekõhre seisundit või degeneratiivseid muutusi;
- jälgida seisundit pärast operatsiooni või ravi.
Mida on vaja teada liigeste UH-uuringu kohta?
- Ettevalmistust ei vaja, enne uuringut võib süüa ja juua
Post-void residual (PVR) urine measurement by ultrasound
This examination measures the amount of urine remaining in the bladder after emptying and helps assess bladder emptying and urinary function disorders.
When is a post-void residual urine ultrasound examination needed?
A post-void residual urine ultrasound may be performed if you:
- feel that your bladder does not empty completely;
- experience frequent or painful urination;
- have frequent or severe urination problems (e.g., weak urine stream or interruptions during urination);
- have suspected incomplete bladder emptying after surgery or illness (e.g., prostate enlargement in men);
- have recurrent urinary tract infections;
- need to identify structural changes in the bladder or urinary tract;
- have neurological conditions that affect bladder function.
What do you need to know about a post-void residual urine ultrasound examination?
- The examination is quick and completely painless.
- Come for the examination with a moderately full bladder. Do not use the toilet immediately before the examination, but avoid excessive fluid intake.
- First, the fullness of the bladder is assessed. You will then empty your bladder in the toilet, after which the amount of urine remaining in the bladder is measured again.
Ultrasound examination of the male genital organs
An ultrasound examination of the male genital organs is used to assess the condition of the male reproductive organs, testicles, epididymis, vas deferens, and the pelvic region.
Why is an ultrasound examination of the male genital organs needed?
A male genital ultrasound may be performed to:
- evaluate the presence of a lump, mass, or swelling in the testicles;
- detect testicular injuries or investigate testicular pain;
- examine swelling, inflammation, cysts, or other changes of the foreskin or penis;
- assess the structure of the penis after an injury or surgery;
- monitor the condition after surgery or treatment.
What do you need to know about an ultrasound examination of the male genital organs?
- No preparation is required for a male genital ultrasound examination.
Ultrasound-guided intra-articular injection, calcification deposit, or medication-based pain block
Interventional radiology procedures of the lower extremity region
Interventional radiology procedures of other or unspecified anatomical regions
Interventional radiology procedures of the upper extremity region
Corticosteroid Injection
Corticosteroid injections are used to reduce inflammation and relieve pain in various joints, tendons, bursae, and around nerves.
The injection contains two components:
- corticosteroid (e.g. Kenalog, Depo-Medrol) – reduces inflammation;
- local anaesthetic (e.g. lidocaine) – provides rapid temporary pain relief.
Corticosteroid injections are particularly effective for:
- chronic low back pain (facet joints);
- inflammatory and overuse conditions affecting joints and surrounding tissues;
- pain caused by nerve compression.
When does the treatment start to work?
Local anaesthetic:
- lasts approximately 3–4 hours.
Corticosteroid:
- may begin working immediately;
- usually starts to take effect within 3–4 days;
- occasionally takes up to 1 week.
Inflammation in other parts of the body may also improve.
Possible side effects
Most side effects are mild and temporary:
- temporary increase in blood pressure;
- facial flushing;
- skin discoloration or thinning of the tissue at the injection site (usually resolves over time);
- numbness around the injection site;
- temporary menstrual irregularities in women;
- temporary increase in blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes.
Rare:
- tendon rupture if the medication is injected directly into a tendon;
- infection.
When is a corticosteroid injection not recommended?
- active infection;
- recent fracture in the injection area;
- caution is required when taking blood-thinning medication (anticoagulants);
- patients with diabetes should be aware of the possibility of temporarily increased blood glucose levels.
Calcific Tendon Lavage
Calcific tendon lavage is a procedure used to remove calcium deposits from a tendon. Under ultrasound guidance, sterile saline is injected into the calcific deposit to break it up and wash it out. An anti-inflammatory medication is usually injected afterwards to reduce inflammation, improve mobility, and relieve pain.
The effect is usually noticeable within a few days.
Possible side effects
- temporary pain or tightness at the injection site;
- mild swelling;
- rarely, infection.
After the Procedure
After a corticosteroid injection, it is recommended to:
- avoid repetitive movements and strenuous physical activity for 2–3 days;
- apply a cold pack or ice to the injection site for 20–30 minutes, 3–4 times daily. This helps reduce post-injection pain flare. Injection-related pain usually subsides within 1–2 days;
- use pain relief medication if needed (e.g. paracetamol/acetaminophen).
- The effect of corticosteroid injections varies from person to person. Pain relief may last for several months, and in some cases the pain may resolve completely.
- Corticosteroid injections are part of a comprehensive treatment plan and do not replace physiotherapy, exercise therapy, cryotherapy, or other conservative treatments. If the injection provides no benefit, the pain may have another cause and further investigations, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), may be required.