Ultrasound examination - abdominal ultrasound
Abdominal ultrasound imaging is performed to evaluate the: kidneys, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, abdominal lympatic nodes, aorta and other blood vessels of the abdomen.
Ultrasound is used to help diagnose a variety of conditions, such as:
- abdominal pains
- abnormal liver function
- enlarged abdominal organ
- stones in the gallbladder or kidney
For a study of the liver, gallbladder, spleen, and pancreas, you may be asked to eat a fat-free meal on the evening before the test and then to avoid eating for eight to 12 hours before the test.
For ultrasound of the irine tract, you may be asked to drink four to six glasses of liquid about an hour before the test to fill your bladder. You may be asked to avoid eating for eight to 12 hours before the test to avoid gas buildup in the intestines.
