Ultrasound is an ideal screening method for organs and blood vessels close to the surface. It can be carried out without great effort and without major stress for the patient and can be repeated as often as required. The procedure is linked to the visualization of predominantly soft tissue-equivalent parenchymal organs. Gas-containing or bony organs can only be visualized sonographically on their surfaces, as the sound waves are completely reflected. Calcifications can be detected very well, but also lead to total reflection, so that underlying structures cannot be seen.

Abdominal sonography shows parenchymal organs such as the liver, kidneys, spleen, pancreas, blood vessels, lymph nodes and urinary bladder. Unclear findings are further clarified using advanced cross-sectional imaging diagnostics (computer tomography, magnetic resonance imaging).

The typical lymph node locations such as the neck, armpits and groin are easily accessible to ultrasound. The thyroid gland can also be excellently visualized with high-resolution transducers due to its position close to the surface. Arterial and venous blood vessels can be examined with B-image and color Doppler with regard to wall composition and flow characteristics.

In pediatrics, sonography is also the ideal examination method in many cases, as high-resolution transducers can be used due to the small organ sizes and distances involved, and real-time imaging allows conclusions to be drawn even with limited cooperation from young patients without the need for anesthesia, as is the case with other procedures.

Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) is a special procedure in angiography. Using arterially inserted catheters with miniature transducers, the condition of the walls of large and medium-sized vessels can be assessed from a very short distance.