Ultrasound Abdomen
Ultrasound Abdomen
An abdominal ultrasound is a medical imaging test that uses sound waves to see inside the belly (abdomen) area. It’s the preferred screening test for an abdominal aortic aneurysm. However, the test may be used to diagnose or rule out many other health conditions.
An abdominal aortic aneurysm, or aortic aneurysm, is an enlarged area in the lower part of the body’s main artery (aorta). Health care providers recommend an abdominal ultrasound to screen for an aortic aneurysm in men ages 65 to 75 who smoke or used to smoke. Such screening isn’t recommended for people who’ve never smoked. But it may be done if you have symptoms or a family history of an aortic aneurysm.
Why it’s done
An abdominal ultrasound is done to see the blood vessels and organs in the belly area. Your health care provider may recommend this test if you have a condition affecting any of these body areas:
- Blood vessels in the abdomen
- Gallbladder
- Intestines
- Kidneys
- Liver
- Pancreas
- Spleen
For example, an abdominal ultrasound can help determine the cause of stomach pain or bloating. It can help check for kidney stones, liver disease, tumors and many other conditions. Your provider may recommend this test if you’re at risk of an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
How you prepare
Your health care provider or radiology department will provide specific instructions.
You usually need to avoid food and drinks for 8 to 12 hours before an abdominal ultrasound. This is called fasting. Fasting helps prevent gas buildup in the belly area, which could affect the results.
Ask your provider if it’s OK to drink water before the test. Don’t stop taking any medications unless your provider tells you to do so.
What you can expect
Before the procedure
Before the abdominal ultrasound, you may be asked to:
- Change into a hospital gown
- Remove any jewelry
- Store valuables in a locker near the exam room
During the procedure
For an abdominal ultrasound, you lie on your back on an examination table. A trained care provider (sonographer) applies a special gel to your belly area. The gel works with the ultrasound device to provide better images.
The provider gently presses the device against the belly, moving it back and forth. The device sends signals to a computer. The computer creates images that show how blood flows through the structures in the belly area.
An abdominal ultrasound exam takes about 30 minutes to complete.
After the procedure
You should be able to return to regular activities immediately after an abdominal ultrasound.