Quick version
Ultrasound is a radiation-free and safe method that can be used by both children, adults and pregnant women. It uses harmless sound waves that generate high-quality images in real time to visualize the body's organs, joints, vessels and soft tissues.
- It is often used when there is suspicion of, for example, abdominal problems, tendon injuries, cysts, inflammation, blood clots or urological problems.
- Common types of ultrasound examinations are of the abdomen, liver, kidneys, testicles, thyroid gland, blood vessels and joints.
- The examination usually takes 15–35 minutes, does not require any special preparation and is performed by a specialist doctor or sonographer.
- No referral from a health center is required - you will receive it digitally via Testmottagningen.se when you order your examination.
What is an ultrasound?
Ultrasound, also known as sonography, is a diagnostic technique that uses completely harmless sound waves to create real-time images of the inside of the body. The method is entirely free from radiation and can therefore be safely used on children, adults, and pregnant individuals. In addition, the examination is quick, gentle, and requires no special preparation.
Thanks to its high-quality real-time imaging, ultrasound is used in many medical fields and helps detect everything from inflammation and fluid accumulation to assessing organs and blood vessels.
When is an ultrasound performed?
Ultrasound is often the first-line choice for many conditions where the physician suspects:
- Gallstones, kidney stones, or appendicitis
- Joint pain and swelling
- Lumps, cysts, or soft tissue infections
- Blood clots or vascular narrowing
- Urological issues in the testicles or prostate
Because ultrasound technology is not disrupted by bone or air, it works best for structures close to the skin or fluid-filled organs such as liver, kidneys, heart, gallbladder, and bladder.
Ultrasound is also used to guide needles during procedures such as biopsies and injections – for example, in aspiration treatments. With ultrasound, this can be done with high precision.
Examples of common ultrasound examinations
Depending on your symptoms and the clinical question, different types of ultrasound scans may be performed:
- Abdominal ultrasound: Used to investigate pain, swelling, or suspected disease in the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, or kidneys.
- Liver ultrasound: Used when fatty liver (fatty liver), liver damage, tumors, or cysts are suspected.
- Kidney ultrasound: To detect kidney stones, cysts, tumors, or signs of impaired kidney function.
- Testicular ultrasound: Used to investigate pain, swelling, or suspected changes in the testicles, including epididymitis or tumors.
- Vascular ultrasound: To examine blood flow and detect narrowing, varicose veins, or blood clots.
- Thyroid ultrasound: Used for lumps, an enlarged thyroid, or suspected inflammation.
- Muscle and joint ultrasound: To identify tendon injuries, fluid buildup, inflammation, or other soft tissue abnormalities.
How does an ultrasound examination work?
The examination is performed by a specialist doctor or sonographer. A small amount of gel is applied to the skin to help conduct the sound waves. Then, an ultrasound probe (transducer) is moved across the targeted area. The high-resolution image is displayed on a screen in real time.
An ultrasound:
- Is painless
- Uses no radiation
- Requires no special preparation
- Usually takes only 15–35 minutes
You may eat, drink, and take medications as usual before the examination – unless you have received specific instructions, such as for upper abdominal ultrasound scans.
How do I get a referral and results?
At Testmottagningen.se, you get fast assistance. We issue a digital referral after you place your order. The images are reviewed by a radiology specialist, and you receive a medical report within a few working days through our digital results service, Zample.
5 benefits of ultrasound
- Radiation-free – safe even during pregnancy
- Fast and gentle examination method
- Detailed real-time images of organs and tissues
- High sensitivity – detects cysts, inflammation, and tumors early
- Used for both diagnosis and guidance during treatments
Book your private ultrasound examination
We offer fast and reliable ultrasound diagnostics using modern technology and experienced specialists – just like in primary care. With us, you avoid long waiting times and receive clear, medically verified results that help you and your doctor move forward in the investigation. Learn more about our different ultrasound examinations and book here.