Ultrasound imaging, also called ultrasound scanning or sonography, involves exposing part of the body to high-frequency sound waves to produce pictures of the inside of the body. Ultrasound exams do not use ionizing radiation (x-ray).
Because ultrasound images are captured in real-time, they can show the structure and movement of the body's internal organs.
An Abdominal Ultrasound produces a picture of the organs and other structures in the upper abdomen.
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| Ultrasound: Gallbladder | Ultrasound: Kidney | Ultrasound: Liver |
Abdominal Ultrasound Imaging is performed to evaluate the:
- Kidneys
- Liver
- Gallbladder
- Pancreas
- Spleen
- Abdominal aorta and other blood vessels of the abdomen
You should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for your ultrasound exam.
You will need to remove all clothing and jewelry in the area to be examined.
You may be asked to wear a gown during the procedure.
Other preparations depend on the type of Ultrasound you are having.
For a study of the Liver, Gallbladder, Spleen, and Pancreas, you may be asked to eat a fat-free meal on the evening before the test and then to avoid eating for eight to 12 hours before the test.
For Ultrasound of the Kidneys, you may be asked to drink four to six glasses of liquid about an hour before the test to fill your bladder. You may be asked to avoid eating for eight to 12 hours before the test to avoid gas buildup in the intestines.