Abdominal ultrasound is an imaging procedure used to examine the internal organs of the abdomen, including the liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, and kidneys. The blood vessels that lead to some of these organs can also be looked at with ultrasound.
Alternative NamesUltrasound - abdomen; Abdominal sonogram
How the test is performedAn ultrasound machine creates images that allow various organs in the body to be examined. The machine sends out high-frequency sound waves, which reflect off body structures to create a picture. A computer receives these reflected waves and uses them to create a picture. Unlike with x-rays or CT scans, there is no ionizing radiation exposure with this test.
You will be lying down for the procedure. A clear, water-based conducting gel is applied to the skin over the abdomen. This helps with the transmission of the sound waves. A handheld probe called a transducer is then moved over the abdomen.
You may be asked to change position so that the health care provider can examine different areas. You may also be asked to hold your breath for short periods of time during the examination.
The procedure usually takes less than 30 minutes.
How to prepare for the testPreparation for the procedure depends on the nature of the problem and your age. Usually patients are asked to not eat or drink for several hours before the examination. Your health care provider will advise you about specific preparation.
How the test will feelThere is little discomfort. The conducting gel may feel slightly cold and wet.
Why the test is performedYour health care provider may order this test to:
The specific reason for the test will depend on your symptoms.
Normal ValuesThe organs examined are normal in appearance.
What abnormal results meanThe significance of abnormal results depends on the organ being examined and the nature of the problem. You should consult your health care provider with any questions and concerns.
Many possible conditions could be revealed by an abdominal ultrasound. Some of these include:
There is no documented risk. No ionizing radiation exposure is involved.
ReferencesCosgrove DO, Meire HB, Lim A, Eckersley RJ. Ultrasound: general principles. In: Grainger RC, Allison D, Adam, Dixon AK, eds. Diagnostic Radiology: A Textbook of Medical Imaging. 5th ed. New York, NY: Churchill Livingstone; 2008:chap 3.
Pickhardt PJ. Diagnostic imaging procedures in gastroenterology. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 13.
Abdominal ultrasound is an imaging procedure used to examine the internal organs of the abdomen, including the liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, and kidneys. The blood vessels that lead to some of these organs can also be looked at with ultrasound.
Alternative NamesUltrasound - abdomen; Abdominal sonogram
How the test is performedAn ultrasound machine creates images that allow various organs in the body to be examined. The machine sends out high-frequency sound waves, which reflect off body structures to create a picture. A computer receives these reflected waves and uses them to create a picture. Unlike with x-rays or CT scans, there is no ionizing radiation exposure with this test.
You will be lying down for the procedure. A clear, water-based conducting gel is applied to the skin over the abdomen. This helps with the transmission of the sound waves. A handheld probe called a transducer is then moved over the abdomen.
You may be asked to change position so that the health care provider can examine different areas. You may also be asked to hold your breath for short periods of time during the examination.
The procedure usually takes less than 30 minutes.
How to prepare for the testPreparation for the procedure depends on the nature of the problem and your age. Usually patients are asked to not eat or drink for several hours before the examination. Your health care provider will advise you about specific preparation.
How the test will feelThere is little discomfort. The conducting gel may feel slightly cold and wet.
Why the test is performedYour health care provider may order this test to:
The reason for the test will depend on your symptoms.
Normal ValuesThe organs examined appear normal.
What abnormal results meanThe meaning of abnormal results depends on the organ being examined and the type of problem. Talk to your health care provider if you have any questions or concerns.
An abdominal ultrasound can reveal many possible conditions, including:
There is no documented risk. No ionizing radiation exposure is involved.
ReferencesCosgrove DO, Meire HB, Lim A, Eckersley RJ. Ultrasound: general principles. In: Adam A, Dixon AK, eds. Grainger & Allisonn's Diagnostic Radiology: A Textbook of Medical Imaging. 5th ed. New York, NY: Churchill Livingstone;2008:chap 3.
Pickhardt PJ. Diagnostic imaging procedures in gastroenterology. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 13.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 11/21/2010
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
What is a abdominal ultrasound?
it can be readily identified and monitored with ultrasound before acute complications result.
As a diagnostic imaging technique, a normal abdominal ultrasound is one that indicates the absence of the suspected condition that prompted the scan.
what school can i be inrolled to learn abdominal ultrasound on pregnant women in rochester ny
As a diagnostic imaging technique, a normal abdominal ultrasound is one that indicates the absence of the suspected condition that prompted the scan
NO an abdominal sonogram/ultrasound will not cause youto urinate blood. If you had that symptom before it was caused by something other than the ultrasound. An ultrasound is a test using high frequency sound waves to take images of your internal organs
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internal bleeding from injured abdominal organs is often the most serious threat to survival. Neither the injuries nor the bleeding may be immediately apparent. Ultrasound is very useful as an initial scan when abdominal trauma is suspected
You really need to talk to your doctor or the person who did the ultrasound about this.
Yes, for six hours prior to the test.
IVC WNL on an abdominal ultrasound likely means the inferior vena cava appeared normal.
As an imaging tool, abdominal ultrasound generally is warranted for patients afflicted with: chronic or acute abdominal pain; abdominal trauma; an obvious or suspected abdominal mass; symptoms of liver disease, pancreatic.