Abdominal ultrasounds are one of the most common ultrasound diagnostic examinations. Main reasons for this medical test is abdominal pain. This imaging test, therefore, provides information about what is going on inside your abdomen (often referred to as your stomach or belly). The abdomen is the part of your body that contains your stomach, large and small intestines, pancreas, liver, kidneys, spleen and gallbladder.
It contains blood vessels, including the main artery that supplies blood from your heart (aorta), the large vein that carries blood to your heart (inferior vena cava) and all of its branches, as well as muscles, and your spine.
This abdominal test evaluates the following major organs within the abdomen:
Abdominal ultrasounds performed on people of all ages and the most common reasons for this procedure are summarized below:
For this private abdominal ultrasound scan you are required to fast for at least 4 hours (if you are diabetic you may have a sugary supplement if needed). Clear fluids, for example, water are allowed. To find out why you need to prepare for an ultrasound scan visit this page on our blog.
Before the abdominal ultrasound, our sonographer will discuss the reasons for your scan and will explain the examination procedure.
The room will be dimly lit as to aid visual assessment of the monitor.
You will be asked to lie on the examination couch exposed part of your abdomen. A small amount of gel will be applied on your skin and a small ultrasound probe will be used to obtain images of your internal organs. You may be asked to roll onto your side, sit or even stand during the examination. During and after the examination our sonographer will explain the findings and an ultrasound report will be issued to take to your doctor.
Ultrasound scanners consist of a console containing a computer and electronics, a video display screen and a transducer that is used to do the scanning. The transducer is a small hand-held device that resembles a microphone, attached to the scanner by a cord. Some exams may use different transducers (with different capabilities) during a single exam. The transducer sends out high-frequency sound waves (that the human ear cannot hear) into the body and then listens for the returning echoes from the tissues in the body. The principles are similar to sonar used by boats and submarines.
The ultrasound image is immediately visible on a video display screen that looks like a computer or television monitor.
After the scan, the images will be examined further by the sonographer, who will then prepare a written report with any recommended actions. The report will be sent to you so that you can discuss the findings with your doctor if required.
There are no risks associated with the abdominal ultrasound examination. Ultrasounds do not use any radiation, which is why doctors prefer to use them to check on developing babies in pregnant women.
Click here for other types of ultrasound scanning for men.
A sonographer, otherwise known as ultrasonographer is a highly trained and specialized healthcare professional who performs and understands medical ultrasound scans and images, will perform your Private investigation and provide you with a diagnostic report of the findings, that you can take to your doctor for continuity of care. Our sonographers will also discuss the results with you during and after your examination.
Our sonographers are advanced consultant practitioners with years of ultrasound scanning experience. They are fully qualified, registered with the HCPC, BMUS and SoR. They perform a large number of diagnostic scans every week and they are always up to day with the newest technological trends and ultrasound guidelines. You can, therefore, rest assured that your health and the health of your baby and loved ones are in good hands.
The sonographer will discuss the abnormal finding and will advise you as to the best course of action.
An abdominal ultrasound can indicate conditions such as:
Abdominal aortic aneurysm
Abscess
Appendicitis
Cholecystitis - Inflammation of the gallbladder
Gallstones
Hydronephrosis - when the kidney does not drain properly
Kidney stones
Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
Splenomegaly - Spleen enlargement
Portal hypertension
Liver tumours
Obstruction of bile ducts
Cirrhosis
To see all our frequently asked questions visit our the abdominal ultrasound Faq's page.
NHS - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ultrasound-scan/
Diagnosis - Liver Cancer - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/liver-cancer/diagnosis/
Having an Upper Abdominal Ultrasound Scan - the IOW NHS - http://www.iow.nhs.uk/Downloads/Patient%20Information%20Leaflets/Diagnostic%20Imaging%20-%20Having%20an%20Upper%20Abdominal%20Ultrasound%20Scan%20v4.pdf
BMUS - ABDOMINAL / RENAL ULTRASOUND - https://www.bmus.org/abdominal-renal/
BMUS - GUIDELINES FOR PROFESSIONAL ULTRASOUND PRACTICE - https://www.bmus.org/policies-statements-guidelines/professional-guidance/guidelines-for-professional-ultrasound-practice/
SoR - Guidelines For Professional Ultrasound Practice - https://www.sor.org/sites/default/files/document-versions/ultrasound_guidance.pdf
-- Consultant Ultrasound Practitioner Daniela Stan, MSc Medical Ultrasound.
Specialities: MSK, Breast, Abdomen, Small Parts, Gynaecology/Obstetrics and Vascular..
Daniela Stan is a London based NHS and Private Consultant Sonographer, with more than 20 years’ experience in Healthcare. She holds a degree from the University of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davilla, Bucharest, Romania and a Medical Doctor Licence in Family Medicine. After graduating from the Medical School Program in 1997 .. Read More
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