An abdominal ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging test that uses sound waves to assess organs in the abdomen, such as the liver, kidneys, pancreas, gallbladder, spleen, and bladder. It helps diagnose conditions like gallstones, liver disease, kidney abnormalities, and abdominal masses.
Procedure Breakdown:
- Preparation:
- Patients may be asked to fast for 6–8 hours before the test to reduce gas interference.
- For bladder evaluation, drinking water and having a full bladder may be required.
- Gel Application:
- A water-based gel is applied to the abdomen to enhance sound wave transmission.
- Ultrasound Imaging:
- A handheld transducer is moved across the abdomen to capture images of internal organs.
- The sonographer may ask the patient to hold their breath or change positions for better imaging.
- Organ Assessment:
- The test evaluates organ size, shape, and structure.
- Blood flow may be assessed using Doppler ultrasound if necessary.
- Completion & Results:
- The procedure takes about 30 minutes.
- A radiologist reviews the images and sends a report to the referring doctor.
Abdominal ultrasound is a safe and effective tool for diagnosing a wide range of abdominal conditions.
