Overview
An abdominal ultrasound looks at the gallbladder, bile ducts, kidneys, liver, pancreas, and spleen. It also includes a view of the aorta and retroperitoneum.
Preparation For Your Exam
Please do not eat solid food or drink anything but water for six to eight hours before the exam. Routine medications may be taken. If you are diabetic consult with your doctor.
During the exam
How is the exam performed? The patient lies on a table with the abdominal area exposed. The sonographer (technologist who performs the exam) will put a warm water-based gel on the skin surface. The gel helps to transmit the sound waves by excluding air. An instrument called a transducer, which is about the size of a microphone, will be moved over the skin surface by the sonographer.
How long will the exam take? About 30 minutes.
Will it hurt? No.
Getting Your ResultsThe exam images will first be viewed by a radiologist, a physician specializing in analyzing these exams. Our radiologists will review the results of your Ultrasound with your doctor who will then explain them to you. Your doctor should have access to your exam results within 24 hours
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