Abdominal ultrasound is a diagnostic test which examines your internal organs. High frequency sound waves reflected from your body's internal structures are changed electronically creating an image on a screen . The following organs are assessed:

• The liver/gallbladder
• The pancreas
• The kidneys/ureters (collecting tubes)
• The biliary tree
• The spleen
• The aorta

The commonest use of ultrasound is to determine the source of abdominal pain, such as gallstones or kidney stones. In some cases it can help physicians determine the cause of elevated blood results, enlargement of abdominal organs or bloating.

In preparation for your test you need to be fasting for at least 6 hours. You will require a requisition from your doctor for this test.

You will be asked to wear a gown. Some contact gel will be applied to your skin to help with the transmission of sound waves . The sonographer will be documenting different sections or planes of your internal organs . You may be asked to hold your breath for short periods of time to prevent motion of your organs while images are recorded.

The examination usually takes about 30 minutes.

These ultrasound images will be interpreted by a Radiologist and dictated on the PAC System .

A final report will be sent to your doctor.