Abdominal Ultrasound: Preparing for Your Test

An abdominal ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to make pictures of the organs in your belly. It doesn't hurt and uses no needles or X-rays.

What it shows

• Liver: fat, scarring, and growths, including liver cancer screening every 6 months for people at risk
• Gallbladder and bile ducts: gallstones and blockages
• Pancreas, spleen, and kidneys
• Fluid in the belly

How to prepare

• 8 hours before: stop eating and drinking. For a morning appointment, nothing after midnight. A small sip of water to take medicines is OK.
• If you have diabetes, don't take diabetes pills until you eat after the test, and take half your usual morning insulin.
• Wear a two-piece outfit so we can see your belly from the chest bone down to the belly button.

Eating before the test can make the pictures unreadable, so the test may need to be rescheduled.

Read the full ultrasound instructions (also in Español, Tiếng Việt, and 中文). All instruction sheets are on our Procedure Instructions page.

During the test

A warm, water-based gel is placed on your skin, and a small probe is moved across your belly. You may be asked to hold your breath or change position. The test takes about 20 to 30 minutes. You can ask for a chaperone at any time.

Results

A radiologist reviews the pictures and your doctor will go over the results with you.

Make an appointment

Our gastroenterologists in Temple City care for patients from Arcadia, San Gabriel, Pasadena, Monrovia, Monterey Park, and across the San Gabriel Valley. We accept most PPO plans (see accepted insurances), and our doctors speak English, Vietnamese, and Mandarin. Schedule an appointment or call 626-898-4560.

This article is for general education and is not a substitute for medical advice. Talk with your doctor about your own health.