Skip to Content Home > Wellness > Health Library > Abdominal
Ultrasound ultrasound uses reflected sound waves to produce a
picture of the organs and other structures in the upper abdomen.
Sometimes a specialized ultrasound is ordered for a detailed
evaluation of a specific organ, such as a kidney ultrasound. An
abdominal ultrasound can evaluate A pelvic ultrasound evaluates
the structures and organs in the lower abdominal area (pelvis).
Abdominal ultrasound is done to: Tell your doctor if you have
had a barium enema or a series of upper GI (gastrointestinal)
tests within the past 2 days. Barium that remains in the
intestines can interfere with the ultrasound test. preparations
depend on the reason for the abdominal ultrasound test you are
This test is done by a doctor who specializes in performing and
interpreting imaging tests (radiologist) or by an ultrasound
technologist (sonographer) who is supervised by a radiologist.
It is done in an ultrasound room in a hospital or doctor's
office. You will need to tak