20 to 30 minutes
An abdominal ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce pictures of the organs and other structures in the upper abdomen. The exam can include the kidneys, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen and the blood vessels like the abdominal aorta. It is a non-invasive way to diagnose abdominal pain, abnormal liver function, kidney or gallbladder stones or an aortic aneurysm (a weakness in the wall of artery from the heart).
Fast, non-invasive assessments – done by request of the referring physician
Advanced Radiology uses the Aixplorer® ultrasound system with ShearWave™ elastography, which takes non-invasive tissue elasticity measurements of abdominal organs like the liver. By measuring the softness or hardness of tissues, your doctor can provide a more accurate diagnosis.
ShearWave™ elastography allows for faster and more accurate imaging of liver disease. The test takes as little as 60 seconds (up to 5 minutes) and provides staging of liver fibrosis in a non-invasive way. This new technology allows your doctor to accurately track disease progression and may reduce the number of biopsies needed.
General Abdominal Ultrasound exams are available at the following Advanced Radiology locations
Call to Schedule: 203-337-XRAY (9729)
Fairfield – 1055 Post Road
Shelton – 4 Corporate Drive, Suite 182
Stamford – 1259 E Main Street
Stratford – 2876 Main Street
Trumbull – 15 Corporate Drive
Trumbull – Advanced Women’s Imaging Center – 15 Corporate Drive
Orange – 297 Boston Post Road
Preparation
Ultrasound exams are pain-free and usually take 20 to 30 minutes. The technologist places gel on the skin of the area to be examined, and then moves the ultrasound transducer, or wand, over the skin.
Morning appointments: You should fast—have nothing to eat or drink (except clear liquids—from midnight (12:00 AM) the evening before the exam. No breakfast or water in the morning. If you take oral medications, please take them with a minimal amount of water or, bring the medication to the office and take it immediately following the study.
Afternoon appointments: Please eat no food during the 5 hours prior to the exam. Any meal before the fast cannot have dairy or fat in it.
Renal Ultrasound Preparation
A renal or retroperitoneal ultrasound is used to evaluate the kidneys and nearby structures. It is very important for your bladder to be full when you arrive since the distended bladder allows the radiologist to fully visualize the structures of the abdomen. You must drink one quart of water (four 8-oz. glasses) and FINISH it one hour before the exam. You MAY NOT URINATE after you’ve finished drinking the water. You may eat normally for breakfast and/or lunch.