Ultrasound
Medical sonography (ultrasonography) is an ultrasound-based diagnostic medical imaging technique used to visualize muscles, tendons, and many organs (Gastroenterology), to capture their size/structure and any lesions with real time tomographic images.
Ultrasound Preparation:
You typically need to avoid food and drinks (fast) for eight to 12 hours before an abdominal ultrasound. Food and liquids in your stomach (and urine in your bladder) can make it difficult for the technician to get a clear picture of the structures in your abdomen.
Day of Ultrasound:
Before the abdominal ultrasound, you may be asked to change into a hospital gown and to remove any jewelry. You’ll be asked to lie on your back on an examination table. During the procedure, a trained technician (sonographer) usually performs the abdominal ultrasound. The technician applies a small amount of warm gel to your abdomen. The gel works with the ultrasound device, called a transducer, to provide better images. The sonographer presses the transducer against your stomach area, moving it back and forth. The device sends signals to a computer, which forms images that show how blood flows through the structures in your abdomen.
A typical ultrasound exam takes about 30 minutes to complete. It’s usually painless. However, you may have some temporary discomfort if the technician presses on an area that is sore/tender. After the procedure, you will be able to return to normal activities.