Abdominal Ultrasound

How does an abdominal ultrasound work?

Ultrasound uses sound waves you can’t hear to take pictures of soft tissues inside your body. To capture these images, a provider glides a handheld wand (transducer) over your abdomen.

The ultrasound machine sends out high-frequency sound waves that bounce off structures like organs, blood vessels and other soft tissues. A computer receives these signals and uses them to create pictures.

Abdominal ultrasound preparation

Your healthcare provider will give you complete instructions before your ultrasound. Follow their guidelines to ensure the most accurate test results.

Your provider may ask you to stop eating or drinking some hours before your test. In some cases, you may need to drink a specific amount of water right before your test. Or you may not need to prepare at all.

Abdominal ultrasound fasting

Depending on your situation, you might need to fast before your abdominal ultrasound. Having a full (or empty) bladder or stomach can sometimes lead to blurry images. Ask your provider if you should fast before your appointment.

What to expect during the test

For an abdominal ultrasound, you’ll lie on your back on a comfortable table. You’ll need to pull up or remove your shirt or put on a hospital gown.

During the test, a healthcare provider:

1. Applies gel to your abdomen. This gel may feel cold, but it won’t hurt you or damage your clothes.
2. Moves the probe over your skin. Your provider gently moves the handheld ultrasound wand over your skin, on top of the gel. They’ll move the wand back and forth until they clearly see the areas in question.
3. Gives you instructions. The provider performing this test may ask you to turn to one side or hold your breath for a few seconds.
4. Cleans your skin. They’ll wipe off any remaining gel on your skin.

If your provider wants to study your blood vessels, your test may include Doppler ultrasound. Doppler sound waves detect details of how blood flows inside your blood vessels.

How long do abdominal ultrasounds take?

On average, an abdominal ultrasound usually takes 30 minutes to complete. But it could take more or less time depending on your situation.

Are ultrasounds safe?

Yes, ultrasound is a safe and accurate imaging test. Unlike X-ray imaging, ultrasound doesn’t use radiation (which can cause health issues at high doses). Ultrasound has no known side effects.