Abdominal Ultrasound Care
Learn
- Overview
- What It Is
- Reasons For
- Complications
- What to Expect
- Results
- When to Call a Doctor
Abdominal Ultrasound Details
Alternate Names for Abdominal Ultrasound:
Diagnostic ultrasound of the abdomen
Sonogram
Ultrasound, abdominal
Your doctor may do the following:
- Physical exam
- Blood or urine tests
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.
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 TestThe 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.
Learn
 What to Expect Find out how long it will take, what they will be doing and what to expect afterwards. |
 Results What are the next steps and other possible tests needed after you have received the results. |
