An abdominal ultrasound is a common, non-invasive imaging test used to examine the organs and structures inside your abdomen—such as the liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, and abdominal blood vessels. Proper preparation is important to ensure the scan produces clear and accurate images.
Why Do GPs Request an Ultrasound Scan?
An ultrasound scan may be requested to look for conditions such as abscesses, cysts, areas of infection, tumours, fluid collects and blockages in blood vessels. Reasons for an abdominal ultrasound scan may include looking for gallstones or obstructions, obstruction to the kidneys, fatty liver changes or lesions within the liver to name but a few.
Preparing for an Abdominal Ultrasound Scan
1. Follow Fasting Instructions
- Do not eat or drink anything for 8 to 12 hours before the exam, unless your doctor gives you different instructions.
- Eating can cause gas in your intestines, which may obstruct the sound waves and make it harder to get clear images of your abdominal organs.
- Water may be allowed in small amounts, but it’s best to confirm with your healthcare provider.
2. Medications
- Take your prescribed medications with a small sip of water, unless told otherwise by your doctor.
- If you have diabetes or take medications that require food, discuss special instructions with your doctor ahead of time.
3. Wear Comfortable, Loose-Fitting Clothing
- You may be asked to change into a gown, but wearing loose clothes makes it easier to access your abdomen.
- You’ll likely need to expose your stomach, so it’s best to avoid complicated outfits.
4. Arrive Early
- Arriving 10-15 minutes early gives you time to check in, relax, and complete any necessary paperwork.
5. What to Expect During the Scan
- The technician (sonographer) will apply a water-based gel to your abdomen. This helps the ultrasound transducer move smoothly and improves sound wave transmission.
- You may be asked to lie on your back or side and hold your breath briefly during the scan to get clearer images.
- The exam typically takes about 20 to 30 minutes and is painless, though you might feel slight pressure from the transducer.
6. After the Exam
- You can usually resume your normal activities immediately after the scan.
- There are no side effects or recovery time needed.
- Your doctor will review the images and discuss the results with you, typically within a few days.
Special Instructions for Specific Exams
- If your ultrasound focuses on certain organs (like the gallbladder, liver, or pancreas), fasting is more strictly required.
- For a renal (kidney) ultrasound, you may be asked to drink water before the test to ensure your bladder is full.
Why Come to Us?
The Health Suite works with experienced medical consultant radiologists to complete your scan, who are very knowledgeable. The consultant will speak to you during your scan to advise of any actions that may need to be taken. A formal report is sent to you after your scan.
Click here to visit our Ultrasound Scanning in Leicester
Common Q&A about Abdominal Ultrasound Scan
An abdominal ultrasound scan is a non-invasive imaging test that uses sound waves to create images of the organs and structures within the abdomen. It helps in diagnosing various conditions affecting the liver, gallbladder, kidneys, spleen, pancreas, and blood vessels.
Abdominal ultrasounds are performed to evaluate symptoms such as abdominal pain, swelling, or the presence of masses. They can help diagnose conditions like gallstones, liver disease, kidney stones, or tumours and assess blood flow to abdominal organs.
Preparation varies depending on the specific area being examined. Generally, patients may be advised to fast for 8-12 hours before the scan to ensure clear images. For certain examinations, you may be instructed to drink water beforehand.
During the ultrasound, you will lie on an examination table. A technician will apply a gel to your abdomen and use a handheld device called a transducer to transmit sound waves. You may be asked to change positions to get different views.
No, an abdominal ultrasound is a painless procedure. The gel used may feel cool, and the transducer might cause some mild pressure, but it should not be uncomfortable.
The procedure typically takes about 30 minutes, depending on the complexity of the examination and the number of areas being assessed.
Abdominal ultrasounds are considered very safe. They do not involve radiation, making them a low-risk option for imaging. However, certain conditions may not be fully evaluated with ultrasound alone, requiring further tests.
Results are usually available within a few days after the scan. The technician will not provide results during the procedure; instead, a radiologist will analyze the images and send a report to your doctor, who will discuss the findings with you.
It depends on the specific instructions given by your healthcare provider. For some exams, you may need to fast for several hours, while others may require you to drink water before the scan.
Abdominal ultrasounds can help diagnose a range of conditions, including gallstones, liver diseases (like cirrhosis or tumours), kidney stones, pancreatitis, and fluid accumulation in the abdomen. They can also guide procedures like biopsies.