Abdominal Ultrasound
What are clinicians looking at?
An abdominal ultrasound looks at the gallbladder, bile ducts, kidneys, liver,pancreas, spleen and major artery (aorta) and vein (inferior vena cava or IVC) as well as the retroperitoneum.
What is the preparation?
You are asked not to eat any solid food or drink anything for eight hours before your appointment. Medication can be taken. If you are a diabetic, please let the receptionist know at the time of booking your appointment.
What will the sonographer do?
You will be asked to lie down on a table with your abdomen uncovered. An odourless and water-soluble gel will be put on your skin by the sonographer. This helps to transmit the sound waves and allows easy movement of the probe or transducer over the skin. The sonographer will move the probe along the skin while taking pictures of all of the abdominal organs. You may be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds at a time. This will prevent the picture from getting blurred out by the movement of breathing. The sonographer will leave the room once all the pictures are taken in order to develop the images or to discuss them with the radiologist or the sonographer will confirm the completion of the examination and direct you to the change room after which you will be free to leave.
You are asked to remain in the scan room until the sonographer has approval for you to leave.
How long does this take?
Approximately 30 minutes.
When will I get my results?
If you are seeing your doctor immediately after your ultrasound appointment, a verbal report will be called to your Doctor. If you are not seeing your doctor after the ultrasound test, a final report will be faxed to your doctor within 24-48 hours.
