An abdominal ultrasound is a safe, non-invasive imaging test that uses sound waves to image the organs within your abdomen including the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, and kidneys. The scan can detect a wide range of conditions including cysts, masses, inflammation, stones as well as a host of other abnormalities.
Ultrasound Liver Fat Quantification is also offered at select Qscan clinics, providing a measure the amount of stored at in the liver. This advanced technique supports your doctor’s ability to assess and monitor your liver health including common conditions such as fatty infiltration, known as hepatic steatosis.
Frequently Asked Questions
You will be asked to lay down comfortably on your back, where warm gel will be applied to the to the region of interest. The sonographer will use a handheld device, called a transducer, on the abdomen to and assess and image the relevant internal organs.
If liver fat quantification is required, a series of additional images and measurements will be acquired during the abdominal scan, providing the appropriate information to your doctor regarding your liver health.
The scan typically takes 20–30 minutes. It’s completely painless, and you can return to normal activities straight away.
Do not eat or drink anything for at least 6 hours before your appointment and refrain from smoking or vaping. Continue any prescribed medications with small sips of water, unless advised otherwise by your doctor.
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.
An abdominal ultrasound is generally painless, with mild to moderate transducer pressure applied to the abdomen to perform the assessment. Should you experience any significant or excessive discomfort during the scan, inform the sonographer immediately.
After your examination, your report and images will be sent electronically to your referring practitioner. They will also be available electronically via the Qscan Patient Results app and web portal 7-10 days after your examination.
