Diagnostic ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images of structures inside the body. Ultrasound does not use ionising radiation and can be used to investigate a range of symptoms and clinical concerns.
Ultrasound, also called sonography, uses a handheld transducer to send high-frequency sound waves into the body. The returning echoes are converted into images that can be viewed in real time. It can help assess organs, soft tissues and other structures depending on the examination requested.
An ultrasound may form part of the assessment of symptoms or a known medical condition. The appropriate scan depends on the clinical question.
Ultrasound can identify or characterise some abnormalities, but it does not by itself provide every diagnosis. Depending on the findings and clinical context, your clinician may recommend further imaging, blood tests, specialist assessment or tissue sampling.
Preparation is not the same for every ultrasound. Follow the instructions given for the specific examination you are attending, as preparation can affect how well certain structures can be seen.
A 6-hour fast is required before an abdominal ultrasound.
Drink 2 litres of water around 1–2 hours beforehand and do not urinate before the examination.
Many other ultrasound examinations require little or no preparation. Confirm the instructions for your particular scan when booking.
Our Aplio i700 ultrasound system is used for diagnostic ultrasound examinations at our Mosta radiology department. It provides real-time imaging that supports assessment across a range of ultrasound studies.
Assesses the prostate gland and the bladder, together with a PSA blood test. A full bladder is needed.
Breast ultrasound can be combined with a mammogram when clinically appropriate.
Looks at organs in the upper abdomen, such as the liver, gall bladder, pancreas, spleen and kidneys.
Looks at the bladder and the pelvic organs, including the uterus and ovaries in women. A full bladder is needed.
Looks at a lump or swelling in the groin.
Looks at muscles, tendons and ligaments around joints such as the shoulder, knee, hand, foot or ankle, or checks for a hernia.
Examines the testicles and scrotum, for example when there is a lump, swelling or pain.
Looks at the thyroid gland and nearby structures in the neck, for example to assess a lump or swelling.
A focused scan of the liver and gall bladder, for example to look for gallstones or to follow up abnormal liver blood tests.
May be recommended to further assess a breast lump, symptom or finding.
The exact examination varies by body area, but diagnostic ultrasound is generally performed with a handheld transducer moved over the area being examined while images are viewed on screen.
The radiology team confirms the examination and any relevant preparation. Bring your referral or relevant medical information where applicable.
Ultrasound gel is applied to the area and the transducer is moved across the skin to obtain the required images. The examination length varies by scan type.
There is usually no recovery period after a standard diagnostic ultrasound. Any recommended follow-up depends on the findings and your clinical situation.
Consultant Radiologist
Dr Ada Orsacanin carries out the ultrasound examinations at St Mary's Clinic. She is our female radiologist and is sub-specialised in breast radiology.
Ultrasound prices depend on the area examined. An abdominal or pelvic ultrasound is €145, as is a thyroid, neck, liver or gall bladder ultrasound. Scans of the knee, shoulder, hand or foot are €165 and a groin ultrasound is €200. The full price list is on this page.
We carry out ultrasound of the abdomen, pelvis, prostate, breast, thyroid and neck, liver and gall bladder, testicles and scrotum, and the groin, including hernia assessment. We also scan joints and limbs such as the shoulder, knee, hand, foot and ankle. If the scan you need is not listed, contact us to check availability.
No. Diagnostic ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves and does not use the ionising radiation used in X-ray imaging.
It depends on the examination. An abdominal ultrasound needs a 6-hour fast. Many other ultrasound examinations require different preparation or no special preparation.
A full bladder can improve the acoustic window for selected pelvic examinations. For a pelvis or prostate ultrasound, drink 2 litres of water around 1–2 hours beforehand and do not urinate before the scan.
Ultrasound can identify or help characterise some abnormal areas, but an ultrasound finding alone does not necessarily establish a cancer diagnosis. Further imaging, biopsy or other investigations may be required.
Ultrasound times vary with the area being examined, so allow time for registration and preparation as well as the scan itself.
Bring your referral or relevant medical information where applicable and any instructions you were given when booking. If you are unsure about preparation, contact the clinic before your appointment.
St Mary's Medical Clinic · 9/11 Triq il-Barrieri, Mosta MST 3250, Malta · Mon–Fri 8:00am–6:00pm · Sat 8:00am–1:00pm