Abdominal ultrasound examination

Abdominal Ultrasound
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Information for patients coming for Abdominal ultrasound examination

An ultrasound examination allows us to obtain pictures of the inside of the body using high frequency sound waves rather than x-rays. It is a very safe technique which uses echoes to produce a picture on a TV monitor.

If  the examination is to look at your liver, gallbladder or pancreas then you should not eat for at least 8 hours prior to the test and drink only clear fluids preferably still water.

If we are looking at the kidneys and bladder it is best to drink at least 1 pint of water about 1 hour before the test and try not to go to the toilet during this time.

The test itself involves putting some clear gel on the skin and moving a probe over the area of interest to allow visualisation of the organs in the abdomen. You may be asked to move into different positions to improve the views we get and you will probably be asked to hold your breath from time to time.

The examination will usually take 10-20 minutes. You will be provided with a report of the investigation to take away with you after the examination is complete.