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Abdominal ultrasound

Published by Bupa's health information team, December 2007.

This factsheet is for people who are having an abdominal ultrasound scan. Abdominal ultrasound produces images of the organs and structures in the abdomen.

Ultrasound is a safe and painless procedure that doesn't use X-rays. Instead high-frequency sound waves and their echoes are used to create images (or scans) of the inside of your body. The images are black, white and grey and are usually displayed on a TV screen.

• About abdominal ultrasound
• Preparing for your ultrasound
• About the procedure
• Getting the results
• What are the risks?
• Further information
• Questions and answers
• Related topics
• Sources

About abdominal ultrasound

Abdominal ultrasound can help identify abnormalities in the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen and kidneys. It's also used to check fetal development during pregnancy.

Sometimes, ultrasound is used to help guide procedures such as needle biopsies. This is when a needle is used to take a small sample of tissue. The tissue is sent to a laboratory for testing. Your doctor uses ultrasound to see inside your body in real time and check the needle is reaching the correct tissue.

Your doctor may check for blood clots and narrowing of blood vessels during the scan. This is done using a Doppler ultrasound. Doppler ultrasound monitors flow in blood vessels. The procedure is the same as having a standard ultrasound.

Preparing for your ultrasound

Ultrasound scans are routinely done as out-patient procedures in hospital.

Please read your appointment letter for instructions on how to prepare for your scan. The instructions will vary depending on your examination. Some scans require you to fast for eight to 12 hours beforehand, whereas others such as kidney or bladder scans require you to drink water an hour beforehand.

At the hospital you may be asked some questions about your health, past surgery, allergies and any medicines you are taking. You may be asked to sign a consent form. This confirms that you have given your permission for the scan to go ahead.

About the procedure

The scan usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. You may be asked to change into a gown.

The ultrasound scanner looks like a home computer system. There is a hard-drive, keyboard, and a TV screen. In addition there is a sensor. The sensor sends out sound waves and picks up the returning echoes. Images of the inside of your body are displayed on the TV screen. These images are constantly updated, so the scan can show movement. The scan is usually performed by a radiologist (a doctor specially trained at ultrasound techniques).

A person having an abdominal ultrasound scan

You will be asked to lie down on a couch. A gel is applied to your skin on your abdomen over the area being examined. The gel allows the sensor to slide easily over your skin and helps to produce clearer images. The sensor is held firmly against your skin and moved over the surface.

Your doctor may ask you to take deep breaths and to hold your breath for a few moments. You may have to change your position during the scan, such as turning on your side or lying flat on your stomach, to help get a better view of the area being scanned.

Permanent copies of the scan are stored on computer or printed.

You will be able to go home when the scan is complete.

Getting the results

The details of your scan may be explained to you immediately after the examination. Alternatively your results may be sent in a report to the doctor who requested your scan. This can take several days to reach your doctor.

What are the risks?

Ultrasound examination is painless and safe. It does not use radiation and so carries none of the associated risks.

Standard diagnostic ultrasound has no harmful side-effects. You may feel slight discomfort as the sensor is pressed against the area being examined.

Further information

• The Royal College of Radiologists
  020 7636 4432
  www.rcr.ac.uk

Related topics

• Pelvic ultrasound

Sources

• Information for adult patients having an ultrasound scan. The Royal College of Radiologists.
  www.rcr.ac.uk
  accessed 2 October 2007
• Abdominal ultrasound. RadiologyInfo. Radiological Society of North America.
  www.radiologyinfo.org
  accessed 1 October 2007

This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by consultant radiologist Dr Daniel Boxer, MRCP(UK), FRCR at Spire Bushey Hospital and by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.

Publication date: December 2007