ABDOMEN/ LIVER ULTRASOUND
view print-friendly versionWhy Have an Abdomen/ Liver Ultrasound?
Abdominal ultrasounds are performed to assess the structure of organs in the abdomen. Ultrasounds can safely look for the cause of many different symptoms such as abdominal pain, lumps or swelling and to detect gallstones. The ultrasound examination can not treat the symptoms but can identify the cause so that affective treatment can be administered.
Who performs the examination?
Ultrasounds are performed by specialist ultrasound staff called sonographers. All X-RAY & IMAGING sonographers have a minimum of 10 years ultrasound experience.
What happens during the examination?
You will normally be required to remove most or all of your clothes and wear a gown which is provided.
Once in the ultrasound room the sonographer will apply gel to your abdomen and pass a marker shaped instrument called a transducer over your abdomen. The images that this takes will appear on a screen. Once the sonographer is satisfied with the accuracy of the images the examination is over.
The images are reviewed and interpreted by a radiologist and are printed for you to take with you to your next doctor's appointment.
In most cases the whole process takes less than an hour from entering the building and leaving with your results.
What does it show?
Abdominal ultrasounds show the size and shape of abdominal organs such as the liver, kidneys, spleen and more. It can also assess whether lumps and swellings require further investigation. Lumps that are symmetrical and contain fluid are usually cysts whereas lumps with solid parts may require a biopsy to determine if they are benign or malignant.
Below is an example of an ultrasound image of a cyst in the liver.
Do I need to do any preparation for an Abdominal Ultrasound?
Yes. To ensure that accurate images are taken, you are required to fast for 4 hours prior to your appointment. Please drink only sips of water during this time.
Where can I have this examination and how much does it cost?
You can have an abdomen ultrasound at any of our practices. As with all our ultrasounds, X-RAY & IMAGING Bulk Bill ($0) abdominal ultrasounds as long as you have a doctor's referral and are entitled to Medicare, DVA or Work Cover.
Caloundra (07) 5438 2011
Coolum (07) 5446 1599
Do I have to book an appointment?
Yes. Ultrasound appointments are often booked-up several days in advance so it is important to book as soon as possible. Call your closest X-RAY & IMAGING practice to book your appointment.
RELATED LINKS: 4D Ultrasound, Mammogram, Breast Ultrasound, Doppler Ultrasound, Core Biopsy, Testes/ Scrotal Ultrasound, Echocardiogram, Carotid Ultrasound, Pelvic Ultrasound, Extremities, Renal Ultrasound, Nuchal Translucency, Thyroid Ultrasound, Obstetric Ultrasound, FNA.
EXAMINATION INFORMATION
+ X-Ray
Bone X-Ray,
Chest X-Ray,
IVP (Intravenous Pyelogram)
+ Ultrasound
4D,
Mammogram,
Breast,
Abdomen/ Liver,
Doppler,
Core Biopsy,
Testes/ Scrotal,
Echocardiogram,
Carotid,
Pelvic,
Extremities,
Renal,
Nuchal Translucency,
Thyroid,
Obstetric (Pregnancy),
FNA (Fine Needle Aspiration)
+ CT Scan
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