For patient safety, patients exceeding the posted weight restrictions will not be done at London X-Ray Associates. The weight limit for all Ultrasound exams is 350 lbs.
- Overview
Ultrasound uses sound, not x-rays, to produce images. A probe placed on the surface of the body sends a thin high-frequency sound beam (above the range that humans can hear) into the body. The sound bounces off of structures within the body and back to the probe. A computer is able to construct images based on the time required for these echoes to return. Ultrasound of the abdomen takes 10-30 minutes to complete.
- Common Reasons for an Ultrasound of the Upper Abdomen
Some of the more common reasons why your doctor would order an abdominal ultrasound include:
- Abdominal or flank pain
- Abnormal blood tests
- A lump in the abdomen
- Jaundice (yellow skin/eyes)
- Unexplained weight loss
- Checking for spread of cancer
- Who should not have an Ultrasound of the Upper Abdomen?
Ultrasound is an extremely safe procedure and there are very few conditions that would prevent it from being performed. Since a probe must be placed in contact with the skin, ultrasound may not be possible in those with open sores or large open wounds over the area of interest.
- How do I prepare for the test?
Food increases the amount of gas in the bowel and causes the gallbladder to contract (shrink). Because of this, you must have nothing to eat or drink after midnight prior to the examination. You may take medications with sips of water.
- Who performs the examination?
An ultrasound technologist (a person trained to take ultrasound images) performs the examination. At London X-ray Associates, all of our technologists have met and maintain registration standards with the international governing body, American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers.
- What happens during the examination?
After registering with the receptionist you may be asked to change into a gown. If so, you will be asked to remove everything except your underpants, shoes and socks. You will be taken to the examination room which contains an ultrasound machine and an examination table. You will be asked to lay on the table on your back. The gown or your clothing will be raised to expose your abdomen. The technologist will apply a gel to your skin to improve contact with the probe. The technologist will move the probe to various positions over your abdomen and flanks taking ultrasound pictures. The technologist will likely ask you to change position several times which may include rolling onto your side or sitting up. You may be asked to hold your breath during the procedure.
- What can I expect after the examination?
Upper Abdominal ultrasound generally has no after-effects and you should be able to return to activities of daily living.
- What are the risks of the procedure?
Ultrasound is an extremely safe procedure that does not expose the body to x-rays. Ultrasound transmits very small quantities of sound energy into the body but this produces no known harmful effects when standard techniques are used.
- Who interprets the results and how do I get them?
The results are interpreted by one of our radiologists and the results are sent to the doctor who ordered the ultrasound by courier or fax.
Arrangements to discuss the results of the ultrasound can be made with the doctor who ordered it.
