What Is This Scan?
An abdominal ultrasound is a safe, painless imaging examination that uses high-frequency sound waves to evaluate the organs within your abdomen. Unlike CT scans or X-rays, ultrasound does not use ionising radiation.
At IMPACT Radiology, our examinations are performed using premium ultrasound equipment by experienced sonographers and interpreted by specialist radiologists to provide a detailed assessment of your abdominal organs.
Conditions We Commonly Assess
Liver
- Fatty liver disease
- Liver cysts
- Benign tumours
- Liver cancer
- Liver metastases
- Cirrhosis
- Portal hypertension
Gallbladder
- Gallstones
- Gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis)
- Gallbladder polyps
- Biliary obstruction
Bile ducts
- Dilated bile ducts
- Gallstones within the bile duct
- Obstruction from tumours
Pancreas
- Pancreatitis
- Pancreatic cysts
- Pancreatic masses
Spleen
- Enlarged spleen
- Splenic lesions
- Splenic cysts
Abdominal blood vessels
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm
- Aortic dilation
Other findings
- Fluid within the abdomen (ascites)
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Appendicitis
- Abdominal masses
Why Might My Doctor Request This Scan?
Your doctor may request an abdominal ultrasound if you have:
- Upper abdominal pain
- Right upper quadrant pain
- Right iliac fossa pain
- Abnormal liver function tests
- Suspected gallstones
- Jaundice
- Abnormal blood tests
- Known liver disease
- Suspected abdominal mass
- Follow-up of previously detected abnormalities
- Unexplained abdominal swelling
Preparation
Most abdominal ultrasounds require fasting.
Please do not eat for 6 hours before your appointment.
4 hours fast for children under 12 years of age.
You may:
- Drink small amounts of water
- Continue taking your regular medications unless advised otherwise
Fasting helps the gallbladder remain full and reduces bowel gas, improving image quality.
What Happens During the Scan?
Your sonographer will ask you to lie on the examination bed.
Warm ultrasound gel is applied to your abdomen, and a handheld probe is gently moved across the skin to obtain images.
You may be asked to:
- Take deep breaths
- Hold your breath briefly
- Change position during the examination
The scan usually takes 20–30 minutes.
The examination is painless, although gentle pressure may occasionally cause mild discomfort over tender areas.
