External abdominal ultrasound
Safe, noninvasive, painless; transducer moved over abdomen; useful after first trimester when gravid uterus is larger; requires full bladder
An external abdominal ultrasound, also known as a abdominal sonogram, is a medical imaging procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the abdominal organs. During the test, a small handheld device called a transducer is placed on the abdomen and moved around to capture images of the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, and kidneys.
Some common reasons for an external abdominal ultrasound include:
– To evaluate abdominal pain or discomfort
– To monitor the progression of liver disease or gallstones
– To detect the presence of tumors or cysts in the abdominal organs
– To check for abnormalities in the urinary tract, such as kidney stones or bladder infections
Preparation for an external abdominal ultrasound typically involves fasting for several hours before the test to ensure a clear view of the organs being examined. Your doctor may also ask you to drink water or fluids prior to the ultrasound to fill your bladder and improve the imaging quality.
The test itself usually takes around 30 minutes to complete and is painless and noninvasive. After the test, the images are reviewed by a radiologist or other medical professional to interpret the results. Your doctor will then discuss the findings with you and recommend any necessary follow-up testing or treatment based on the results.
More Answers:
Monitoring Fetal Health During Pregnancy: Nonstress Test (NST)Doppler Ultrasound: A Safe and Painless Diagnostic Tool for Assessing Blood Flow in the Body.
Comprehensive Guide to Transvaginal Ultrasound for Women’s Health Evaluation.