An abdominal ultrasound uses reflected sound waves to image organs in the upper abdomen.
Images are taken of the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, spleen, and aorta.
An abdominal ultrasound takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.
Whenever you eat, gas is created in your abdomen. Intestinal gas interferes with the ultrasound waves when imaging the abdomen.
Your study will be interpreted by a Board Certified Radiologist.
You may want an abdominal ultrasound if you are experiencing abdominal pain or distention. Other reasons are abnormal liver function, enlarged abdominal organ, suspected stones in the gallbladder or kidney, or if you think you may have an abdominal aortic aneurysm. These are just a few of the indications for an abdominal ultrasound.