← Return to list of services

Abdominal Ultrasound

Abdomen ultrasounds use high frequency sound waves to visualize and assess various abdominal organs, such as: the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, aorta, inferior vena cava and spleen. Please inform the sonographer performing your exam if you’ve had abdominal surgery or the removal of your gallbladder, spleen or kidney.

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR MY EXAM?

  • Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment.

  • Take all prescribed medications as directed with a small amount of water. 

  • Wear comfortable clothes. 

  • Don’t eat or drink (except water) for six hours prior to your exam.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING MY EXAM?

  • A warm, non-scented, hypo-allergenic ultrasound gel will be applied to your stomach. 

  • Your sonographer will ask you to expose your abdomen to scan the area. 

  • The sonographer will move the transducer (probe) around the front and side of your abdomen and ribcage to gather images of your organs. 

  • The sonographer will ask you to perform various breathing techniques that aid in obtaining the best images of your organs. 

  • You may be asked to lie on your side, sit or stand to bring your organs into a better position. 

  • You may experience mild to moderate pressure while the sonographer takes the images. 

  • It is not unusual for the sonographer to ask the radiologist to come into the scan room after your exam to speak to you about your results. You will then be free to leave.

WHEN WILL I GET MY RESULTS?

  • We do our best to have our radiologists interpret the information and forward the results to your doctor by the next business day.

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?

  • This exam is covered under your Alberta Health Care Plan.