Ultrasound of the liver and gallbladder
liver ultrasound · gallbladder ultrasound · abdominal ultrasound · RUQ ultrasound
The doctor looks at your liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts with ultrasound. It is safe, with no radiation.
For pain on the right side under the ribs, abnormal liver blood tests, or possible gallstones or fatty liver.
⏱ Duration: usually 15 to 20 minutes
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Food. No food for 6 to 8 hours. After eating, the gallbladder shrinks and is hard to see. The scan is usually done in the morning before breakfast.
- The day before. A light dinner without fizzy drinks, raw vegetables, beans, or dark rye bread. Less gas means a clearer view.
- Water. A little water is fine. If your clinic suggests an anti-gas medicine, take it as they say.
What to bring
- Your referral
- Past ultrasound reports, if you have them
- A tissue or towel to wipe off the gel
How it goes
- You lie on your back with your belly uncovered
- The doctor puts on a cool gel
- The probe moves over the right side of your belly, under the ribs
- You will be asked to take a deep breath and hold it for a few seconds
- Sometimes you are asked to turn onto your left side
What you'll feel
- The gel is cool
- The probe presses a little. It does not hurt
Afterwards
- The gel is wiped off, and you can eat right away
- The report is usually given right away
Common questions
Why must I come hungry for a liver ultrasound?
After eating, the gallbladder shrinks, and the doctor cannot see stones. So no food for 6 to 8 hours.
Can ultrasound show fatty liver?
Yes, it often can. To check how stiff the liver is, a scan called elastography is sometimes added.