Abdominal Ultrasound
Alternate Names : Abdominal Ultrasonography
Abdominal ultrasound is a technique that uses high-frequency
sound waves, or ultrasounds, to examine soft tissues such as the abdominal
organs. This test can provide information about the liver, gallbladder,
spleen, pancreas, kidneys, ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and urinary
bladder. It can detect some abdominal masses. An abdominal ultrasound can also be used to view blood flow to the
abdominal organs.
Who is a candidate for the test?
An abdominal ultrasound may be done for a number of reasons, including the
following:
to determine the cause of an enlarged organ
to determine the source of bleeding
to identify abnormalities in a woman's ovaries, fallopian tubes, or
uterus
to identify causes for
vomiting,
diarrhea, or
constipation
to locate the source of abdominal
distress
to look for stones in organs, such as the gallbladder or kidney
In some cases, an abdominal ultrasound is used to
diagnose or monitor a woman's pregnancy. This procedure is known as a
pregnancy ultrasound.
How is the test performed?
A liquid gel is applied to the person's abdomen to help transmit sounds. A
transducer, which is like a microphone, is placed on the abdomen. The
transducer is connected to a computer that converts
the signals into images. A Doppler ultrasound may also be used to check
movement in organs, such as blood flowing through blood vessels.
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