Abdominal ultrasounds
are safe, noninvasive diagnostic procedures.
Abdominal ultrasounds are commonly used in hospitals, emergency rooms and doctors' offices. They are the preferred diagnostic test over X-rays in many situations because they can provide a more in-depth and accurate look at soft tissue structures. Abdominal ultrasounds are usually recommended for people suffering with chronic or acute abdominal pain, abdominal trauma abnormal growths in the abdomen, or for other problems involving the spleen, gallbladder, kidneys, liver, pancreas, urinary tract, and uterus.
Before the Ultrasound
Specific instructions should be provided by a doctor and may vary slightly depending on the individual purpose of the ultrasound, but patients are generally required to fast for eight hours prior to the ultrasound. This ensures the stomach is empty and the intestines and bowels are relatively inactive. The doctor or ultrasound technician will be able to get a clearer view of various organs and soft tissue if there is little food in the system. Patients who are on prescription medications should continue to take their medications as scheduled, but with small sips of water. Wear comfortable clothing and leave the jewelry at home. Patients who have their navels pierced may be asked to remove their piercing before the procedure begins.
What to Expect
An abdominal ultrasound can take anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the area being examined and the condition of the patient. During an abdominal ultrasound, the technician will ask you to lay on your back while a gel is smoothed over the abdomen. This gel allows the ultrasound probe to glide gently over the skin and helps transmit the ultrasonic pulses. You may be asked to move slightly or change positions in order to obtain the best view of the afflicted area. There is usually little to no discomfort during an abdominal ultrasound, and there are no specific aftercare instructions for you to follow once the procedure is complete. The results of an ultrasound are used to confirm a suspected condition or diagnosis so that a doctor will be able to proceed with the most effective treatment possible.
Other Information
When performed correctly, there are little risks or side effects involved in having an abdominal ultrasound procedure. Ultrasounds should be performed only by registered ultrasonographer, a radiologist or an obstetrician/gynecologist. If an ultrasound is done in the emergency room, it should be completed by an emergency medical physician who has been adequately trained in ultrasonography. Ultrasounds are also commonly used during surgical procedures as a visual aid for surgeons to ensure accuracy during needle placement and to guide biopsies.
Tags: Abdominal ultrasounds, abdominal ultrasound, abdominal ultrasound, commonly used, soft tissue, technician will, there little
