Ultrasound is a non-invasive way to study many of the organs of the body. Ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves, which penetrate the body and bounce off the internal structures, giving an electronically produced image on the computer screen.

Abdominal Ultrasound is used to study the upper half of the abdomen. Structures that can be evaluated during an abdominal ultrasound exam include the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, aorta, spleen and blood vessels.

Preparation for the Exam

The evening prior to an exam, your patient will be asked to avoid consumption of any fatty or greasy foods as well as dairy products. The day of the examination, your patient should only consume sips of clear, non-carbonated fluids until the study is completed. It is also advised to avoid chewing gum, gulping fluids, or other activities that may cause gas build-up.

Procedure

Your patient will be asked to change into a gown provided by Inland Imaging. The technologist will ask the patient to lie on a table and will then apply a gel to the skin. The gel ensures that the transducer (the probe that emits the high frequency sound waves) has good contact for sound transmission. The transducer is placed on the skin and is moved over the area of interest as the technologist records the various results.

After The Exam

Ultrasound Locations