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Abdominal Ultrasound

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What is Abdominal Ultrasound?

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 names

Ultrasound - abdomen; Abdominal sonogram



How the Test is Performed

An 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 wi...



What is Abdominal Ultrasound?

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 names

Ultrasound - abdomen; Abdominal sonogram

How the Test is Performed

An 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 Test

Preparation 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 Feel

There is little discomfort. The conducting gel may feel slightly cold and wet.

Why the Test is Performed

Your health care provider may order this test to:

  • Determine the cause of abdominal pain
  • Learn why there is swelling of an abdominal organ
  • Look for stones in the gallbladder or kidney

The specific reason for the test will depend on your symptoms.

Normal Results

The organs examined are normal in appearance.

What Abnormal Results Mean

The 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:

Risks

There is no documented risk. No ionizing radiation exposure is involved.

References

Cosgrove 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.

Content provided by:

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch). The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- 2008 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Review Date: 10/29/2008

Reviewed By: 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.10/29/2008

Abdominal Ultrasound Videos

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Conversations On Abdominal Ultrasound

  • Pain in Colon Area


    • Posted On January 9, 2009 09:53:56 AM

      ... On Monday I am having a CT scan of my abdominal area, and of course, I am concerned, about what the results might show. Any help, advice for me? I am trying not to jump to the obvious, worse... Read More

    • Posted On January 9, 2009 05:13:38 PM

      There are so many things that can cause abdominal pain so I wouldn't jump to one particular conclusion or another. See: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/abdomi ... ION=causes Your symptoms could... Read More

  • A Bad Idea?


    • Posted On October 23, 2008 02:48:38 PM

      ...ured ovarian cyst that was so small the ultrasound didn't see it. e.e But I really wanna get back to the gym after two days of being unable to move. The pain is better, and I've got meds. If I ... Read More

    • Posted On October 23, 2008 02:56:05 PM

      That would be a question for your doctor. Read More

  • Why Am I Inflated?


    • Posted On February 4, 2009 04:59:11 PM

      ... syndrome, a condition characterized by abdominal pain or cramping and changes in bowel function -Conditions such as celiac disease or lactose intolerance in which the intestines aren't able to... Read More

    • Posted On February 9, 2009 09:27:40 AM

      ...mptoms never got any better. I have an ultrasound on Thursday to R/O anything ovarian related. wish me luck. Read More

  • Ask Dr. Laurie Marbas!


    • Posted On January 20, 2009 06:07:08 AM

      ...ly because of the troublesome symptoms (abdominal pain, bloating, flatulence, diarrhea, vomiting) but it can be a health risk too because the lack of calcium intake in avoiding these foods. T... Read More

    • Posted On April 21, 2009 09:56:40 PM

      ...inks I have PCOS, have had transvaginal ultrasounds early and ovulation day of cycle and cysts were developed. I have other symptoms except for irregular periods. I can set my calendar to my cyc... Read More

  • The last post is the winner...


    • Posted On December 4, 2007 09:22:36 AM

      Hi everyone, I'm new compared to alot of people and I've been involved in a few serious topics recently, I just thought I'd say that the last person to post here is the winner... talk about anythin... Read More

    • Posted On December 4, 2007 09:52:04 AM

      What do we win? Read More

  • FRIDAY and Feeling Frisky!!!


    • Posted On July 25, 2008 07:42:54 AM

      ...nking my coffee. I had to go in for an abdominal ultrasound this morning. My dr called yesterday and said my liver enzymes were elevated, so he wanted to see what was going on. I can't get we... Read More

    • Posted On July 25, 2008 04:30:02 AM

      Good morning ladies and welcome to Friday! I couldn't pick one guy today so I grabbed a few!! LOL The weekend is almost here and I have to say it seems to be getting harder and harder to get bac... Read More

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Abdominal Ultrasound Topic Guide

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Talk

TheYouthInAsia: X ray is done, peed in a cup and just have an abdominal ultrasound. Nothing broken or bleeding. Plenty of bruising though!

jkahane1: The doctor also wants me to sched an abdominal and pelvic ultrasound. Wonder when they can do that.

irishchari: @ldr12 Abdominal Ultrasound came out spotless... that's something out of the way :-)

annabarbosa: Abdominal Ultrasound Training for CME / http://tinyurl.com/ykpmcj9

SWAT119: I'm getting lazy these days. I have to do a lot of things like studying internal medicine and practicing abdominal ultrasound, though.

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