Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Diagnostic Ultrasound of the Abdomen

(Sonogram)
by Editorial Staff and Contributors
Definition

An ultrasound examines organs or tissue inside the body. Sound waves are used to make an image. If a Doppler ultrasound is done, the doctor can see blood flow in the vessels.

Reasons for Test

An ultrasound is used to find problems inside the abdominal cavity. It can show organs and movement. An ultrasound is most often done for the following reasons:

  • To identify gallbladder stones or kidney stones
  • To assess masses in the abdomen
  • To diagnose an injury or disease
  • To evaluate changes or problems in the blood vessels
  • To examine the baby and womb in pregnant women
  • To help determine the cause of abdominal pain
  • To help determine why an internal organ is enlarged
Possible Complications

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

What to Expect
Prior to test

Your doctor may do the following:

  • Blood or urine tests
  • Physical exam

In some cases, your doctor may instruct you to:

  • Fast for 8-12 hours before the test. This will decrease the amount of gas in your intestines and make your organs easier to see.
  • Have a full bladder before the test. You may need to drink six or more glasses of water without going to the bathroom.
Description of the Test

You will lie on a table. Your doctor will put gel on your stomach. The gel helps the sound waves travel between the machine and your body.

The ultrasound machine has a hand-held instrument called a transducer, which looks like a microphone or wand. The transducer is pushed against your skin where the gel has been applied. The transducer sends sound waves into your body. The waves bounce off your internal organs and echo back to the transducer. The echoes are converted into images that are shown on a screen. The doctor examines the images on the screen. He may also make a photograph of them.

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

The images are looked at by doctors. A report will be given to your doctor. Based on the results, you and your doctor will talk about more tests and treatment options.

Call Your Doctor

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

In case of an emergency, call for medical help right away.

Last reviewed: September 2011 by Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt, MD.

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