VEI Check · Ultrasound

Looking at your organs without radiation:
ultrasound

Ultrasound sends sound waves into the body and uses the returning signals to show the shape and condition of organs. It does not use radiation, which makes repeated scans less of a concern. VEI Clinic offers ultrasound of the abdomen (liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys and spleen), thyroid, carotid arteries and heart. An internal medicine specialist considers your symptoms and blood test results together to choose which areas to examine.

VEI Clinic, Gangnam — VEI Check · Ultrasound

What We Look For in Each Area

Abdominal ultrasound: fatty liver, liver masses, gallstones and gallbladder polyps, kidney stones and cysts, and abnormalities of the pancreas and spleen
Liver ultrasound: the degree of fatty liver, changes in liver shape and follow-up of liver masses
Thyroid ultrasound: nodule size and shape, and thyroid inflammation
Carotid ultrasound: the thickness of the neck artery walls, atherosclerotic plaque and the degree of narrowing
Heart ultrasound: heart size, wall thickness, pumping function and valve movement

Who It May Suit

People who have been told they have elevated liver enzyme levels or fatty liver
People with frequent pain in the upper middle or upper right abdomen, or ongoing indigestion
People who feel a lump in the neck or need follow-up for a thyroid nodule
People with high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol, or who smoke and want to check their blood vessels
People with shortness of breath, palpitations or chest discomfort, or who have been told they have a heart murmur

Before Your Test

Abdominal or liver ultrasound: fast for at least 8 hours. Small amounts of water are fine, but avoid coffee, milk and chewing gum
Thyroid, carotid or heart ultrasound: no fasting is needed
Wear clothing that makes it easy to expose your neck and chest
Bring any previous ultrasound results so we can compare changes

What Ultrasound Cannot Show

Ultrasound cannot show the inner lining of the stomach or colon, so it cannot replace testing for gastritis, ulcers, polyps, stomach cancer or colon cancer. These require endoscopy. VEI Clinic does not perform endoscopy, so we direct you to a nearby screening center or hospital.

If ultrasound shows a mass or another abnormal finding, you may need follow-up scans, CT or a biopsy depending on its size and appearance. We refer you to a partner hospital when needed.

The VEI Clinic Approach

An internal medicine specialist explains the images and results to you, interpreting them alongside blood test results when needed. If a finding needs monitoring, we let you know when to have your next scan.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How long should I fast before an abdominal ultrasound?

Fast for at least 8 hours. For a morning scan, do not eat after dinner the night before. Ask us in advance about any medications you take in the morning.

Do I need to fast for a thyroid ultrasound?

No fasting is needed for thyroid, carotid or heart ultrasound. If you are also having an abdominal ultrasound that day, please come fasting.

Can an abdominal ultrasound detect stomach cancer?

Ultrasound cannot show the inside of the stomach or colon, so testing for stomach or colon cancer requires endoscopy.

Is ultrasound covered by National Health Insurance?

Coverage depends on your symptoms and condition. We explain whether coverage applies before the test.