This course introduces anatomy, physiology, pathology, and scanning techniques of the biliary system, liver, pancreas, thyroid, and abdominal vascular system, both normal and abnormal.

• Demonstrate an ability to perform examinations of the abdomen according to protocol guidelines established by the AIUM/ACR utilizing real-time equipment with transabdominal transducer and Doppler display modes.

• Recognize and identify the sonographic appearance of normal anatomic structures, including anatomic variants and normal Doppler patterns of the following: liver, biliary system, and urinary tract.
• Recognize and identify the sonographic appearance of the adrenal glands, spleen, pancreas, prevertebral vessels, peritoneal cavity including potential spaces, and retroperitoneum.
• Recognize and identify the gastrointestinal tract and the anterior abdominal wall.
• Recognize, identify, and appropriately document the abnormal sonographic and Doppler patterns of the disease processes, pathology, and pathophysiology of the following: liver biliary system, pancreas, urinary tract, adrenal glands, spleen, prevertebral vessels, peritoneal cavity including potential spaces, retroperitoneum, gastrointestinal tract, and the anterior abdominal wall.
• Students will observe a professional attitude and appearance at all times.
• Students will attend class and lab prepared to acquire knowledge of the subject that will be presented in class.
• Students will recognize the needs of the patient and the ethics of the profession of sonography.
• Recognize and identify the sonographic appearance of normal anatomic structures, including anatomic variants and normal Doppler patterns of the following: scrotum and prostate.
• Recognize, identify, and appropriately document abnormal sonographic and Doppler patterns of the disease processes.
• Recognize common signs and symptoms, presentation, and laboratory testing associated with the various disease processes and pathology of the following: scrotum and prostate.
• Demonstrate the ability to perform an examination of the superficial structures and the neonatal brain according to protocol and guidelines established by the AIUM/ACR; utilizing real-time equipment with the appropriate transducers, Doppler, and color Doppler display modes.
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a sonographer’s role in performing interventional and intraoperative ultrasound procedures.
• Recognize and identify the sonographic appearance of normal anatomic structures, including anatomic variants and normal Doppler patterns of the following: breast, thyroid, and parathyroid, pediatric patients, and neonatal brain.
• Recognize, identify, and appropriately document abnormal sonographic and Doppler patterns of the disease processes, pathology, and pathology of the following: breast, thyroid, and parathyroid, pediatric patients, and neonatal brain.
• Recognize common signs and symptoms, presentation, and laboratory testing associated with the various disease processes and pathology of the following: breast, thyroid, and parathyroid, pediatric patients, and neonatal brain.
• Discuss new trends in ultrasound such as three-dimensional imaging and contrast-enhanced studies and current research in drug delivery systems using microbubble technology.
• Demonstrate the ability to perform examination of the superficial structures and the neonatal brain according to protocol and guidelines established by the AIUM/ACR, utilizing real-time equipment with the appropriate transducers, Doppler and color Doppler display modes
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a sonographer’s role in performing interventional and intraoperative ultrasound procedures.

Why it’s done

An abdominal ultrasound is done to see the blood vessels and organs in the belly area. Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have a condition affecting any of these body areas:

Blood vessels in the abdomen

Gallbladder

Intestines

Kidneys

Liver

Pancreas

Spleen

For example, an abdominal ultrasound can help determine the cause of stomach pain or bloating. It can help check for kidney stones, liver disease, tumors, and many other conditions. Your provider may recommend this test if you’re at risk of an abdominal aortic aneurysm.

How you prepare

Your healthcare provider or radiology department will provide specific instructions.

You usually need to avoid food and drinks for 8 to 12 hours before an abdominal ultrasound. This is called fasting. Fasting helps prevent gas buildup in the belly area, which could affect the results.

Ask your provider if it’s OK to drink water before the test. Don’t stop taking any medications unless your provider tells you to do so.

During the procedure

For an abdominal ultrasound, you lie on your back on an examination table. A trained care provider (sonographer) applies a special gel to your belly area. The gel works with the ultrasound device to provide better images.

The provider gently presses the device against the belly, moving it back and forth. The device sends signals to a computer. The computer creates images that show how blood flows through the structures in the belly area.

An abdominal ultrasound exam takes about 30 minutes to complete.

After the procedure

You should be able to return to regular activities immediately after an abdominal ultrasound.