An abdominal ultrasound is an imaging test used to diagnose many medical conditions safely. It’s fast and almost painless. It does not use radiation. It detects both dangerous and routine conditions.
OVERVIEW
What is an Ultrasound?
Ultrasound uses a handheld probe or wand known as a transducer to perform diagnostic imaging tests. Ultrasound uses sound waves that you cannot hear. The probe is positioned on a test area, and the provider uses it to capture images of the soft tissues within the body.
Sonograms are also known as ultrasound images.
What is an abdominal ultrasound?
There are many types of ultrasound tests. Each probe is designed to image specific parts of the body. An abdominal ultrasound can show organs and soft tissues, such as blood vessels, inside your abdomen (belly).
What is abdominal ultrasound?
A trained medical professional (sonographer) applies a gel to your abdomen for an abdominal ultrasound test. The sonographer then moves a probe over the gel.
The probe’s sound waves travel through your skin and bounce off soft tissues (such as organs). A nearby computer screen displays real-time images.
What’s the difference between an abdominal ultrasound and a pelvic ultrasound?
Because it examines the tissues within the pelvis (hip bones), abdominal ultrasound is considered a pelvic ultrasound by healthcare providers. Rectal ultrasound and transvaginal ultrasound are also types of pelvic ultrasound.
What body parts can an abdominal ultrasound examine?
Your provider orders an ultrasound examination of certain areas of your abdomen. Three digestive system organs are examined by ultrasound in the right upper quadrant.
- Liver.
- Pancreas.
- Gallbladder.
An abdominal ultrasound complete examines these organs and adds:
- Kidneys.
- Spleen.
- Bladder.
- Abdominal blood vessels (such as the inferior vena cava and the Aorta).
TEST DETAILS
What should I do to prepare for abdominal ultrasonography?
Before you go to the exam, a care team member will provide detailed instructions. To ensure accurate results, follow their instructions.
Your provider may ask you to stop eating and drinking for a few hours before your test. You may be asked to drink a certain amount of water before the test. You may not even need to prepare.
Do I have to fast for an abdominal ultrasound?
Possibly. A full bladder or empty stomach can sometimes cause blurred ultrasound images. Ask your provider whether you should fast before an abdominal ultrasound.
What is an abdominal ultrasound?
You will need to lie down on your stomach on a table for an abdominal ultrasound. Pull up your shirt, remove it or change into a hospital gown.
A trained professional will conduct the test.
- Apply gel to your abdomen: Water-soluble gel will be applied to any stomach area that the provider will inspect. It may feel cold. This gel will not cause any harm to your clothes or hurt your skin.
- The technician moves the probe across your skin. The technician gently moves the handheld ultrasound device wand across your skin. The technician will move the probe around until they see the problem areas.
- Provides instructions: The professional who performs this test has been trained in the best ways to create clear images. You may be asked to move to one side or hold your breath for a few moments.
- The technician cleans your skin.
Doppler ultrasound may be used if your provider wishes to examine your blood vessels. Doppler sound waves can detect the blood flow inside your blood vessels.
What questions should I ask my healthcare provider?
You may need to have an ultrasound test done by your provider.
- What kind of ultrasound do you need?
- Are there any other tests I will need?
- How do I prepare for my ultrasound?
- When can I expect to receive my test results?
Note from the Cleveland Clinic
To diagnose urgent and routine health issues, providers often use abdominal ultrasound. Contrary to other imaging tests, ultrasound doesn’t require radiation. Medical providers use ultrasound to monitor the health of pregnant women and their babies. Ultrasound pictures may become blurred or less detailed if there are certain factors, such as a full stomach or an empty stomach. To ensure accurate results, follow all instructions given by your provider regarding test preparation.