Part UT Health San Antonio

Definition

An ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of structures in the body.

Abdominal Ultrasound
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Reasons for Test

An ultrasound is used to show details of structures in the abdomen. It can show features like the size and movement of organs, cysts or growths, or fluid collections. An ultrasound of the abdomen is most often done to:

  • Diagnose an injury or disease
  • Help determine the cause of abdominal pain, especially appendicitis
  • Identify gallbladder stones or kidney stones
  • Assess masses or fluid collections in the abdomen
  • Assess the cause of abnormal liver or kidney function
  • Help determine why an internal organ is enlarged
  • Examine the baby and uterus in pregnant women

Possible Complications

In most cases, there are no complications with this test.

What to Expect

Prior to test

A physical exam may be done. Bodily fluids may also be tested. This can be done with blood or urine tests.

In some cases, the doctor may advise the following:

  • Fast for 8-12 hours before the test. This will decrease the amount of gas in the intestines and make organs easier to see.
  • Have a full bladder before the test. The doctor may advise drinking 6 or more glasses of water without going to the bathroom.

Description of the Test

You will be positioned on a table. A gel will be placed over the area that will be checked. The gel helps the sound waves travel from a wand to your body.

The ultrasound machine has a hand-held wand. The wand is pushed against your skin where the gel has been applied. The wand sends sound waves into your body. The waves bounce off your internal organs and echo back to the wand. The computer can convert echoes into images on a screen. The images on the screen are examined by your doctor. A photograph of them may be taken.

You may be asked to change positions or hold your breath during the exam.

After Test

The gel will be cleaned off your abdomen. You will be able to leave after the test is done. You will be able to return to your normal activities.

How Long Will It Take?

30 minutes

Will It Hurt?

No. But, if you have a full bladder during the test, you may feel uncomfortable.

Results

A report will be given to your doctor. Based on the results, you and your doctor will talk about more tests or treatment options.

Call Your Doctor

After the test, call your doctor if the symptoms you had before the test become worse.

If you think you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.

RESOURCES:

Association for Medical Ultrasound
http://www.aium.org

Radiology Info—Radiological Society of North America
https://www.radiologyinfo.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Association of Radiologists
https://car.ca

Canadian Radiation Protection Association
http://www.crpa-acrp.ca

REFERENCES:

ACR-SPR-SRU practice parameter for performing and interpreting diagnostic ultrasound examinations. American College of Radiology website. Available at: https://www.acr.org/-/media/ACR/Files/Practice-Parameters/us-perf-interpret.pdf. Updated 2017.

General ultrasound. Radiology Info—Radiological Society of North America website. Available at: https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=genus. Updated March 9, 2018. Accessed April 3, 2018.

Ultrasound—abdomen. Radiology Info—Radiological Society of North America website. Available at: http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=abdominus. Updated March 17, 20176. Accessed April 3, 2018.

Last reviewed March 2018 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Daus Mahnke, MD  Last Updated: 6/24/2013