Ultrasound stands for sound frequencies which are beyond the perceptible area. This includes frequencies between 16 kHz (upper threshold of hearing) and 1,6 GHz. The examination with ultrasound can – in contrast to X-ray which only shows the outlines of inner organs – represent the inner structure of the organism and recognize the smallest changes. The examination with ultrasound is carried out with a device which is led across the skin for the transmission of sound.
Examinations with ultrasound are adequate for the diagnosis of muscular states, for the examination of soft parts, lymph nodes and the organic structures of liver, gall-bladder, kidney, spleen, pancreas and prostate and for the diagnosis of cerebrovascular diseases (e.g. restriction of the vessels in the neck) and for the examination of thromboses.