Abdominal ultrasound is an imaging technique that uses sound waves to visualize structures inside the abdomen. This exam is typically used to evaluate problems with the kidneys, liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas, spleen, and abdominal aorta. A wide variety of problems can be detected with abdominal ultrasound, such as kidney stones, gallstones, cysts, abscesses, tumors, and aneurysms.
Abdominal ultrasound is a safe, non-invasive imaging method that does not expose you to ionizing radiation (X-rays). In many cases, abdominal ultrasound helps doctors make an accurate diagnosis without the need for more complex testing or exploratory surgery.
Doppler ultrasound is a specialized technique that can complement regular abdominal ultrasound. It allows for the measurement of blood flow speed and direction. Abdominal ultrasound can also be used to guide doctors when taking tissue biopsies using a method called ultrasound-guided biopsy.
More basic information on ultrasound is available in the About Ultrasound section.
Doctors use abdominal ultrasound to help determine the cause of symptoms coming from the abdomen. A patient may have stomach or back pain, or a mass might have been detected at a doctor’s visit. A variety of disorders can be diagnosed by abdominal ultrasound such as:
To schedule an abdominal ultrasound, please call our scheduling team at (512) 453-6100 or toll free at (800) 998-8214. A provider referral is required to make an appointment.
A radiologist, a physician specifically trained to interpret radiological examinations, will analyze the images and send a signed report to the provider who referred you to ARA. The physician will then share the results with you. Your report will also be available on the patient portal within 15 days.
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If you are getting your ultrasound at ARA and want to know more,...