Limitations
In most cases, ultrasounds provide a good picture of the organs and structures in the abdomen.
The test is generally non-invasive, painless, and safe for most people.
Unlike other types of medical imaging, ultrasounds do not use ionizing radiation or contrast dye.
Illustration by Cindy Chung, Verywell
You may want to ask about eating/drinking prior to the ultrasound.
If fasting is necessary, you may want to schedule the test in the morning.
Still, always double-check the instructions given to you by your healthcare provider or the hospital.
You may be asked to change into a hospital gown when you arrive.
This helps avoid too much gas in the intestines, which can block the full visualization of some organs.
If you take daily medications, talk to your healthcare provider before fasting for an ultrasound test.
If you have health insurance, you may not have to pay the full amount.
To ensure the cost is covered, your health insurance provider might need to pre-authorize an abdominal ultrasound.
During the Test
The ultrasound test will be performed by a radiologist or a sonographer.
Then, any clothing or your hospital gown will be moved aside so your abdomen is uncovered.
The radiologist or sonographer will apply some gel to the part of the abdomen that needs to be imaged.
Next, a gadget called a transducer will be placed against the surface of your belly and moved around.
The transducer works with a computer to capture images.
An abdominal ultrasound should not be painful and most patients dont experience any discomfort.
Post-Test
After the test, you’ll be given a towel to wipe the gel off your belly.
Ultrasounds don’t have any special aftercare instructions.
They may also send you a letter in the mail or a message via a patient portal.
If you haven’t heard from your healthcare provider within a week, give their office a call.
Your healthcare provider may recommend “watchful waiting.”
It provides useful information about the state of the abdominal organs.
In most cases, the test itself takes less than a dayoften less than an hour.
You don’t need to bring anything and it’s best to leave jewelry and other valuables at home.
Ultrasounds don’t have side effects or special aftercare instructions.
However, what happens after the test when you discuss the results with your healthcare provider is important.
You should feel confident that you understand what the results mean and what follow-up is needed.
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