Ultrasound diagnostics · Riga, Purvciems
Thyroid ultrasound is a painless examination with no X-ray radiation and no special preparation. The doctor assesses the size and volume of the gland, the tissue structure, nodules and cysts, blood flow and, if needed, the lymph nodes of the neck. You receive the report and images immediately after the examination. No referral needed.
Booking without a referral
No preparation needed
Report on the day of the examination
What the doctor assesses
The thyroid sits at the front of the neck and is easy to see on ultrasound. The doctor examines both lobes and the isthmus, describes any changes found and, if needed, advises which specialist to see next.
The size of both lobes and the isthmus and the total volume of the gland — whether it is enlarged or reduced.
How even the tissue is and its echogenicity — including changes typical of thyroiditis.
Number, size, outline and structure of nodules, assessed on the TI-RADS scale.
Fluid-filled formations: their size and contents.
Colour Doppler imaging: blood supply to the gland and to any nodules.
If needed, the doctor also examines the nearby lymph nodes of the neck.
Ultrasound shows structure, blood tests show function. Ultrasound answers how the gland is built and whether it has nodules. How well it works is shown by hormone blood tests (TSH, free T4 and others) — which is why the results are usually assessed together.
Ultrasound helps detect changes and decide on the next steps, but it does not replace a consultation with an endocrinologist.
Indications
A thyroid ultrasound can be done on referral from an endocrinologist or family doctor, or on your own initiative — for example if you have symptoms or need to check nodules found earlier. No referral is needed to book.
Abnormal blood testsHigh or low TSH, changes in free T4, anti-TPO antibodies.Symptoms in the neckA “lump in the throat” feeling, discomfort when swallowing, visible swelling at the front of the neck.A nodule found on examinationA doctor felt a lump, or a nodule was noticed on another scan — for example a CT or a neck vessel ultrasound.General symptomsUnexplained tiredness, palpitations, weight changes, irritability — together with abnormal blood tests.Follow-upNodules, cysts or thyroiditis found earlier — to see whether they change over time.On a doctor's referral or as part of a check-upAn endocrinologist, family doctor or internist may refer you for an ultrasound; the examination is also part of health check-up programmes.Who performs the examination
Thyroid ultrasound at Grand Medical is performed by certified ultrasound doctors. If you are not sure who to book with, the administrator will help you choose a doctor and a convenient time.
Ultrasound doctor · children from 6 years
Thyroid and salivary glands, abdomen, kidneys and bladder, soft tissues, prostate.
Radiologist · ultrasound doctor
Ultrasound of the thyroid and salivary glands, abdominal and urinary organs, scrotum and soft tissues.
Diagnostic radiologist · ultrasound doctor
Ultrasound of the thyroid, abdominal organs, kidneys and urinary tract, including transrectal prostate ultrasound.
General ultrasound doctor
Thyroid and abdominal ultrasound, echocardiography and duplex scanning of blood vessels. Over 20 years of experience.
Step by step
The examination is done through the skin of the neck and usually takes 15–20 minutes. Here is what the visit looks like, from booking to report.
Online, by phone or on WhatsApp, without a referral. The administrator will find a doctor and a convenient time.
You can eat and drink as usual. Bring your latest hormone tests and any previous ultrasound reports.
You lie on your back with a small roll under your shoulders and your head tilted slightly back. The doctor applies gel to the neck and moves the probe over it. Painless.
You receive the report and images on the day of the examination; if needed, we will refer you to the clinic's endocrinologist.
What it feels like. The examination is painless: no injections and no anaesthesia. You may feel the cool gel and light pressure from the probe on your neck. Sometimes the doctor asks you to swallow or turn your head — this gives a clearer view of certain parts of the gland. Afterwards you can go straight back to your normal day.
Checklist
No special preparation is needed: the examination can be done at any time of day, and you do not have to come on an empty stomach. A few small things will make the visit easier.
Previous thyroid ultrasound reports — to compare nodules over time.Recent hormone tests: TSH, free T4, antibodies — if you have them.Biopsy results if you have had one, plus discharge summaries and endocrinologist reports.Your referral, if a doctor gave you one — so the specialist can see their question.After the examination
The doctor writes the report right after the examination and explains what it says.
If a nodule is found, the doctor describes its features using the TI-RADS scale. This grade and the size of the nodule decide whether follow-up is enough or the endocrinologist recommends a biopsy.
Ultrasound findings are assessed together with your symptoms, examination and hormone levels. Small nodules and cysts are common and in most cases only need monitoring.
The ultrasound report describes the findings of the examination. If you need your situation reviewed and treatment planned, book an endocrinologist consultation — this is a separate service.
Equipment
Thyroid ultrasound at Grand Medical is performed on the Canon Aplio i900, an expert-class ultrasound system. A high-frequency probe and colour Doppler imaging allow a detailed view of the gland’s structure, small nodules and their blood flow.
The final report is always written by the doctor.
Next steps
If the thyroid shows changes, you will usually need a doctor’s consultation to review the ultrasound together with your blood tests. The choice depends on your situation — there is no need to do everything at once.
Cost
65 €
Both lobes and the isthmus, tissue structure, nodules and cysts, blood flow; if needed, the neck lymph nodes. The price includes the examination, the doctor's report and the images.
Additional services — for example an endocrinologist consultation or other examinations — are agreed and paid for separately.
The clinic works with the insurance companies Balta, Seesam and BTA. Coverage depends on the terms of your policy — check with your insurer before the visit or ask the administrator when you book.
Grand Medical is listed in the register of medical institutions under number 001000286.
FAQ
No. You can book a thyroid ultrasound yourself. If you do have a referral, bring it with you — the doctor will then see the question the referring specialist asked.
65 €. The price covers the examination, the doctor’s report and the images.
No. You do not need to come on an empty stomach, and you can eat, drink and take your medication as usual. Wear clothing with an open neckline and take off any jewellery around your neck.
Usually 15–20 minutes. If there are several nodules, it may take a little longer.
The same day, right after the examination: you take the report and images with you.
TI-RADS is a scale the doctor uses to describe the ultrasound features of a nodule: its shape, outline, structure and any calcifications. Together with the nodule’s size, the TI-RADS grade helps the endocrinologist decide whether monitoring is enough or a biopsy is needed.
Your endocrinologist decides this: the interval depends on the size and features of the nodule. To compare changes over time, bring your previous ultrasound reports to every scan.
No. Ultrasound uses sound waves; there is no X-ray radiation involved, so it can be repeated for follow-up.
Yes. The examination is safe during pregnancy and no preparation is needed.
Yes, children from 6 years. More on the ultrasound for children page.
Latvian, Russian and English.
The clinic works with Balta, Seesam and BTA. Coverage depends on your policy — check with your insurer or ask the administrator when booking.
Riga, Purvciems, Stirnu iela 8, Valeo medical centre. Open Mon–Fri 9:00–18:00.
Reviews
I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly I got an appointment — especially as I was only in Latvia for a couple of days. Very convenient.
I have had ultrasound scans in many places, but I had never come across such an attentive and professional approach. Everything was explained, my questions were answered, and you can feel the care for the patient.
Booking
Choose whatever suits you: the booking portal, phone, WhatsApp or the form on the website — an administrator will get in touch and help you find a time.
Book online
Can't find a suitable time, or all slots taken? Get in touch — we will help you book.
Fill in the contact form and a Grand Medical administrator will contact you during working hours, answer your questions and help you find a convenient appointment time.
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Grand Medical
Areas of care
Grand Medical offers more than ultrasound. The clinic’s main areas of care are below.
Good to know
Ļauj atklāt aterosklerozi, trombus, aneirismas un citas patoloģijas. Tiek izmantota slimību diagnosticēšanai, kā arī profilaktiskajiem izmeklējumiem, īpaši cilvēkiem ar riska faktoriem.
