Abdominal Ultrasound

Abdominal ultrasound is a type of imaging test used to study specific organs and structures and blood vessels within the abdomen to detect any possible abnormalities. Patients may have this imaging test done due to symptoms they may be experiencing, such as abdominal pain, abnormal blood work, or to follow up on surgeries. Your doctor may recommend an abdominal ultrasound to investigate medical conditions such as abdominal aortic aneurysm or other issues.

Ultrasound scanning uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the body’s tissues, structures, and blood flow. A transducer/probe and ultrasound gel work together to transmit and receive sound waves to create ultrasound images on the monitor. The ultrasound machine sends these sound waves, which then create a real-time image of the soft tissues and blood flows in the abdominal area.

During the test, the patient may be asked to perform breathing instructions and move into different positions (on their side, upright, on their belly, etc). Warm, water-based gel will be applied to the ultrasound transducer or directly on the skin. The gel may feel cool at first. The sonographer will then move the transducer around to obtain clear images of the underlying structures for the physician to interpret.

The procedure typically lasts for 30 minutes, but the duration can vary depending on the structures being examined.

You may be instructed to fast for 6-8 hours prior to the exam. It is important not to eat or drink during this period to ensure the accuracy of the ultrasound scans. In some cases, you might be asked to drink water to fill your bladder, which can help improve the quality of the images.

The benefits of Abdominal Ultrasound:

• Ultrasound images can be shown in real-time.
• No ionizing radiation is used for this procedure, making it safe and painless.

Risks you should be aware of:

• There are no known risks for ultrasound.

Keep in mind that this information is general. Your radiologist is the best source of information about how these benefits and risks may apply to you.