What is an Abdominal Ultrasound?
An abdominal ultrasound is a painless imaging test that uses high-frequency sound waves to generate detailed images of your organs and blood vessels in the abdomen.
It is commonly used to examine the
- Liver
- Kidneys
- Pancreas
- Gallbladder
- Spleen
- Bladder.
The images produced by the ultrasound are called sonograms, helping doctors diagnose various conditions related to the digestive system, blood vessels, and other abdominal structures.
Why Would a Doctor Advice an Abdominal Ultrasound?
Your doctor may recommend an abdominal ultrasound for several reasons, including:
- Fetal monitoring during pregnancy (known as prenatal ultrasound)
- Diagnosing abdominal pain or discomfort
- Assessing organs such as the liver, kidneys, gallbladder, and pancreas
What Can an Abdominal Ultrasound Detect?
Abdominal ultrasounds can help detect:
- Kidney stones, cancer, and kidney disease
- Gallstones and gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis)
- Liver diseases, including fatty liver disease
- Abdominal aneurysms or enlarged blood vessels
- Spleen enlargement, pancreatitis, and tumors.
What to Expect During the Test?
The procedure is simple and typically takes 30 minutes:
- You will lie on your back, exposing your abdomen.
- The technician will apply a cold gel to your abdomen.
- The transducer is moved over your skin, which might feel gentle pressure.
- You may be asked to hold your breath or turn to one side for more explicit images.
If the ultrasound includes Doppler, it will assess blood flow in your vessels.
When will I receive the results?
After your abdominal ultrasound, a radiologist (a specialist in interpreting medical images) will analyze the images and prepare a report. This report is typically sent to your primary care physician (PCP) within one week or less.
In some urgent cases, if the ultrasound is used to diagnose potentially life-threatening conditions, your provider may share the results immediately.
Is an Abdominal Ultrasound Safe?
Yes, ultrasound is a safe, radiation-free imaging method. Unlike X-rays, ultrasound does not use harmful radiation, making it ideal for evaluating internal organs without side effects.
When Will I Get My Results?
A radiologist reviews the ultrasound images, and their findings are shared with your doctor, usually within a week. In emergencies, results may be available immediately to help diagnose life-threatening conditions.
Need to Know More? Schedule Your Abdominal Ultrasound Today!
At OM Supatham Hospital, we provide reliable and safe ultrasound services to help diagnose your abdominal concerns. Reach out today for more information and to book your appointment!
