Abdominal ultrasound
abdominal ultrasound · belly ultrasound · abdomen scan · liver and gallbladder ultrasound
The doctor looks at the organs in your belly with ultrasound: the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and spleen. It is safe and uses no radiation.
For belly pain, a heavy feeling after eating, abnormal test results, or a routine checkup.
⏱ Duration: usually 15 to 30 minutes
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Food. Usually no food for 6 to 8 hours. Best done in the morning on an empty stomach.
- The day before. Have a light dinner. Avoid fizzy drinks, beans, raw vegetables, dark rye bread, and milk. Less gas means a clearer picture.
- Water and smoking. A little plain water is usually fine. Do not smoke or chew gum before the scan. It puts air in your belly.
- Kidneys. If your kidneys and bladder are checked too, you may be asked to come with a full bladder. Check with your clinic.
What to bring
- Your referral
- Past ultrasound reports and test results, if you have them
- A tissue or towel to wipe off the gel
How it goes
- You lie on your back with your belly bare
- The doctor puts cool gel on your skin
- A probe is moved over your whole belly
- You are asked to breathe in deeply and hold your breath for a few seconds
- Sometimes you are asked to turn onto your side
What you'll feel
- The gel is cool
- The probe presses a little. It does not hurt
- If an area is sore, pressing on it can be unpleasant. Tell the doctor
Afterwards
- The gel is wiped off, and you can eat right away
- You usually get the report right away
Common questions
Can I drink water before an abdominal ultrasound?
Usually a little plain water is fine. Do not eat, and avoid sweet drinks, fizzy drinks, and coffee with milk.
What does an abdominal ultrasound include?
Usually the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and spleen. The kidneys are often checked separately. Check with your clinic.