Not for emergencies. Severe acute abdominal pain, rigid abdomen, fever with abdominal pain, or signs of peritonitis require emergency ER evaluation. Call 911. DOD is not an emergency service.
Abdominal Ultrasound: What Patients Should Know
An abdominal ultrasound uses sound waves to create real-time images of the abdominal organs — liver, gallbladder, kidneys, spleen, and aorta. It does not use ionizing radiation and is often used as a first-line imaging modality for abdominal organ evaluation. Fasting is typically required before the exam.
Educational content only. Clinical appropriateness determined by a licensed provider. DOD does not perform or interpret ultrasound studies.
Quick Answer
An abdominal ultrasound uses sound waves to image the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, spleen, kidneys, and abdominal aorta in real-time — with no ionizing radiation. Fasting for 4–6 hours is typically required. Provider orders are needed at most facilities. DOD can review abdominal ultrasound order requests for eligible patients in supported states.
What Abdominal Ultrasound Images
Liver
Echogenicity (texture), size, focal lesions, hepatic veins and portal vein
Gallbladder
Wall thickness, stones, polyps, sludge, pericholecystic fluid — GB is optimally seen after fasting
Common Bile Duct
Diameter measurement — dilation may suggest obstruction
Kidneys (Bilateral)
Size, cortical echogenicity, hydronephrosis (collecting system dilation), masses, cysts
Spleen
Size (splenomegaly), echogenicity, focal lesions
Abdominal Aorta
Aortic diameter — screening for aortic aneurysm (AAA)
Pancreas
Often limited by overlying bowel gas — visualized when possible but CT/MRI preferred for comprehensive pancreas evaluation
Peritoneal Fluid (Ascites)
Free fluid detection in the peritoneal cavity
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
- Abdominal Ultrasound — Patient Information — RadiologyInfo.org (ACR / RSNA)
- Ultrasound — MedlinePlus (NIH)
Related Education and Order Pages
Need a Provider Review for an Abdominal Ultrasound?
$40 virtual provider review. Orders issued only when medically appropriate.
Start Virtual Consult — $40Not for emergencies. Orders not guaranteed.
Educational content only. DOD does not perform or interpret abdominal ultrasound.