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Examination of the internal organs in the abdomen using high-frequency sound waves. If a Doppler ultrasound is done, the doctor can see blood flow in major blood vessels.
An abdominal ultrasound can examine the following:
Ultrasound produces real-time images of soft tissue and can capture the movement of internal organs. Therefore, it is used to visualize and diagnose problems inside the abdominal cavity. A diagnostic ultrasound is most often performed for the following reasons:
The patient will lie still on a flat table in a darkened room. The darkness helps the technician see images on the screen.
None.
The technician applies a conductive gel to the abdomen and presses a transducer against the skin. This small, hand-held device converts energy from one form to another. The gel helps transmit sound waves between the skin and the transducer because these waves cannot travel through the air.
The transducer sends high-frequency sound waves toward the internal organs, which reflect the sound waves to the skin. The transducer receives these sound waves and converts them into electrical impulses that become a visible image on the echocardiography machine.
The technician watches the images as they appear on the machine's screen. The technician can capture a still image or videotape moving images for review later. The technician may move the transducer to different places on the abdomen to obtain clearer and more complete images. You may be asked to change positions or hold your breath during the exam.
Clean gel off the abdomen.
About 30 minutes.
No. An ultrasound is not invasive and not painful. The gel may feel cold when it is first applied, and holding the transducer tightly against the skin produces a sensation of pressure and, in some cases, discomfort. For instance, pressure on a full bladder feels uncomfortable.
None.
None.
Clean the gel off your skin. Resume normal activities unless directed otherwise by the doctor.
A radiologist analyzes and interprets the images created by the ultrasound and gives a report to your doctor. Your doctor will make recommendations for treatment based on this report.
Your symptoms become worse.