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Abdominal ultrasound
Category: Imaging & Scans · All imaging & scans
What it is
An abdominal ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves from a hand-held probe to create moving pictures of the liver, gallbladder, kidneys, pancreas, spleen and major blood vessels. It uses no radiation.
Why it is done
It is commonly used for abdominal pain, suspected gallstones, abnormal liver blood tests, and to check the kidneys and bladder, often as the first imaging test.
How to prepare
For gallbladder and liver scans you may be asked not to eat for several hours beforehand, because food makes the gallbladder contract. For kidney and bladder scans you may be asked to drink water and arrive with a full bladder. Your appointment letter will say which.
What happens during the procedure
You lie on a couch and gel is spread on the skin so the probe glides and makes good contact. The operator presses the probe gently and takes pictures from different angles. It is painless and usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.
Afterwards — recovery & results
You can eat, drink and return to normal activities straight away. The images are reported and the result sent to your doctor, usually within a few days.
Risks & considerations
Ultrasound has no known risks from radiation because it uses sound waves. Pictures can be limited by bowel gas or body habitus, and sometimes a different scan is advised if the views are not clear enough.
Watch: Abdominal ultrasound videos
Real procedure videos from the MedicalVideos.com library. Some clinical footage is graphic — that is the nature of a medical video library.
Related guides on MedicalVideos.com
Frequently asked questions
Why do I need an empty stomach for some scans?
Eating makes the gallbladder squeeze out bile and shrink, which makes gallstones harder to see. Fasting keeps it full and easier to examine.
Will I get the result on the day?
The person scanning you can sometimes comment on obvious findings, but the formal report is usually sent to your doctor afterwards.
Related procedures — Imaging & Scans
Browse the A section of the A–Z list or return to the Procedures & Tests hub.