An ultrasound is an imaging test that uses sound waves to create a picture (also known as a sonogram) of organs, tissues, muscles,s, and other structures inside the body. Unlike x-rays, ultrasounds don’t use any harmful radiation. Ultrasound imaging uses sound waves to produce pictures of the inside of the body. It helps diagnose the causes of pain, swelling, and infection in the body’s internal organs and to examine an unborn child (fetus) in pregnant women.

Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to make images of organs and structures inside the body.

There are two main categories of ultrasounds: pregnancy ultrasound and diagnostic ultrasound.

• A pregnancy ultrasound is used to look at an unborn baby. The test can provide information about a baby’s growth, development, and overall health.
• Diagnostic ultrasound is used to view and provide information about other internal parts of the body. These include the heart, blood vessels, liver, bladder, kidneys, and female reproductive organs.

Other names: sonogram, ultrasonography, pregnancy sonography, fetal ultrasound, obstetric ultrasound, diagnostic medical sonography, diagnostic medical ultrasound

What is it used for?

An ultrasound can be used in different ways, depending on the type of ultrasound and which part of the body is being checked.

A pregnancy ultrasound is done to get information about the health of an unborn baby. It may be used to:

• Confirm that you are pregnant.
• Check the size and position of the unborn baby.
• Check to see you are pregnant with more than one baby.
• Estimate how long you have been pregnant. This is known as gestational age.
• Check for signs of Down syndrome, which include thickening in the back of the baby’s neck.
• Check for birth defects in the brain, spinal cord, heart, or other parts of the body.
• Check the amount of amniotic fluid. Amniotic fluid is a clear liquid that surrounds an unborn baby during pregnancy. It protects the baby from outside injury and cold. It also helps promote lung development and bone growth.

Diagnostic ultrasound may be used to:

• Find out if blood is flowing at a normal rate and level.
• See if there is a problem with the structure of your heart.
• Look for blockages in the gallbladder.
• Check the thyroid gland for cancer or non-cancerous growths.
• Check for abnormalities in the abdomen and kidneys.
• Help guide a biopsy procedure. A biopsy is a procedure that removes a small sample of tissue for testing.

In women, diagnostic ultrasound may be used to:

• Look at a breast lump to see if it might be cancer. (The test may also be used to check for breast cancer in men, though this type of cancer is far more common in women.)
• Help find the cause of pelvic pain.
• Help find the cause of abnormal menstrual bleeding.
• Help diagnose infertility or monitor infertility treatments.

In men, diagnostic ultrasound may be used to help diagnose disorders of the prostate gland.

How the Test is Performed

An ultrasound machine makes images so that organs inside the body can be examined. The machine sends out high-frequency sound waves, which reflect off body structures. A computer receives the waves and uses them to create a picture. Unlike with an x-ray or CT scan, this test does not use ionizing radiation.

The test is done in the ultrasound or radiology department.

• You will lie down for the test.
• A clear, water-based gel is applied to the skin on the area to be examined. The gel helps with the transmission of the sound waves.
• A handheld probe called a transducer is moved over the area being examined. You may need to change position so that other areas can be examined.

How to Prepare for the Test

Your preparation will depend on the part of the body being examined.

How the Test will Feel

Most of the time, ultrasound procedures do not cause discomfort. The conducting gel may feel a little cold and wet.

Why the Test is Performed

The reason for the test will depend on your symptoms. An ultrasound test may be used to identify problems involving:

• Arteries in the neck
• Veins or arteries in the arms or legs
• Pregnancy
• Pelvis
• Abdomen and kidneys
• Breast
• Thyroid
• Eye and orbit

Normal Results

Results are considered normal if the organs and structures being examined look OK.

What Abnormal Results Mean

The meaning of abnormal results will depend on the part of the body being examined and the problem found. Talk to your health care provider about your questions and concerns.

Risks

There are no known risks. The test does not use ionizing radiation.

Considerations

Some types of ultrasound tests need to be done with a probe that is inserted into your body. Talk to your provider about how your test will be done.

Abdominal ultrasound

Ultrasound – abdomen; Abdominal sonogram; Right upper quadrant sonogram

Abdominal ultrasound is a type of imaging test. It is used to look at organs in the abdomen, including the liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, and kidneys. The blood vessels that lead to some of these organs, such as the inferior vena cava and aorta, can also be examined with ultrasound.

How the Test is Performed

An ultrasound machine makes images of organs and structures inside the body. The machine sends out high-frequency sound waves that reflect off body structures. A computer receives these waves and uses them to create a picture. Unlike with x-rays or CT scans , this test does not expose you to ionizing radiation.

You will be lying down for the procedure. A clear, water-based conducting gel is applied to the skin over the abdomen. This helps with the transmission of the sound waves. A handheld probe called a transducer is then moved over the abdomen.

You may need to change position so that the health care provider can look at different areas. You may also need to hold your breath for short periods during the exam.

Most of the time, the test takes less than 30 minutes.

How to Prepare for the Test

How you will prepare for the test depends on the problem. You will likely be asked not to eat or drink for several hours before the exam. Your provider will go over what you need to do.

How the Test will Feel

There is little discomfort. The conducting gel may feel a little cold and wet.

Why the Test is Performed

You may have this test to:

• Find the cause of abdominal pain
• Find the cause of kidney infections
• Diagnose and monitor tumors and cancers
• Diagnose or treat ascites
• Learn why there is swelling of an abdominal organ
• Look for damage after an injury
• Look for stones in the gallbladder or kidney
• Look for the cause of abnormal blood tests such as liver function tests or kidney tests
• Look for the cause of a fever

The reason for the test will depend on your symptoms.

Normal Results

The organs examined appear normal.

What Abnormal Results Mean

The meaning of abnormal results depends on the organ being examined and the type of problem. Talk to your provider if you have any questions or concerns.

An abdominal ultrasound can indicate conditions such as:

• Abdominal aortic aneurysm
• Abscess
• Appendicitis
• Cholecystitis
• Gallstones
• Hydronephrosis
• Kidney stones
• Pancreatitis (inflammation in pancreas)
• Spleen enlargement ( splenomegaly )
• Portal hypertension
• Liver tumors
• Obstruction of bile ducts
• Cirrhosis

Risks

There is no known risk. You are not exposed to ionizing radiation.

Carotid duplex Ultrasound

Scan – carotid duplex; Carotid ultrasound; Carotid artery ultrasound; Ultrasound – carotid; Vascular ultrasound – carotid; Ultrasound – vascular – carotid

Carotid duplex is an ultrasound test that shows how well blood is flowing through the carotid arteries. The carotid arteries are located in the neck. They supply blood directly to the brain.

How the Test is Performed

Ultrasound is a painless method that uses sound waves to create images of the inside of the body. The test is done in a vascular lab or radiology department.

The test is done in the following way:

• You lie on your back. Your head is supported to keep it from moving. The ultrasound technician applies a water-based gel to your neck to help with the transmission of the sound waves.
• Next, the technician moves a wand called a transducer back and forth over the area.
• The device sends sound waves to the arteries in your neck. The sound waves bounce off the blood vessels and form images or pictures of the insides of the arteries.

How to Prepare for the Test

No preparation is necessary.

How the Test will Feel

You may feel some pressure as the transducer is moved around your neck. The pressure should not cause any pain. You may also hear a “whooshing” sound. This is normal.

Why the Test is Performed

This test checks blood flow in the carotid arteries. It can detect:

• Blood clotting (thrombosis)
• Narrowing in the arteries (stenosis)
• Other causes of blockage in the carotid arteries

Your doctor may order this test if:

• You have had a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA)
• You need a follow-up test because your carotid artery was found to be narrowed in the past or you have had surgery on the artery
• Your doctor hears an abnormal sound called a bruit over the carotid neck arteries. This may mean the artery is narrowed.

Normal Results

The results will tell your doctor how open or narrowed your carotid arteries are. For example, the arteries may be 10% narrowed, 50% narrowed, or 75% narrowed.

A normal result means there is no problem with the blood flow in the carotid arteries. The artery is free of any significant blockage, narrowing, or other problem.

What Abnormal Results Mean

An abnormal result means the artery may be narrowed, or something is changing the blood flow in the carotid arteries. This is a sign of atherosclerosis or other blood vessel conditions.

In general, the more narrowed the artery is, the higher your risk of stroke.

Depending on the results, your doctor may want you to:

• Consider surgery
• Have additional tests (such as cerebral angiography , CT angiography, and magnetic resonance angiography )
• Follow a healthy diet and lifestyle to prevent hardening of the arteries
• Repeat the test again in the future

Risks

There are no risks with having this procedure.

Eye and orbit ultrasound

Echography – eye orbit; Ultrasound – eye orbit; Ocular ultrasonography; Orbital ultrasonography

An eye and orbit ultrasound is a test to look at the eye area. It also measures the size and structures of the eye.

How the Test is Performed

The test is most often done in the ophthalmologist’s office or the ophthalmology department of a hospital or clinic.

Your eye is numbed with medicine (anesthetic drops). The ultrasound wand (transducer) is placed against the front surface of the eye.

The ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves that travel through the eye. Reflections (echoes) of the sound waves form a picture of the structure of the eye. The test takes about 15 minutes.

There are two types of scans: A-scan and B-scan.

For the A-scan:

• You will most often sit in a chair and place your chin on a chin rest. You will look straight ahead.
• A small probe is placed against the front of your eye.
• The test may also be done with you lying back. With this method, a fluid-filled cup is placed against your eye to do the test.

For the B-scan:

• You will be seated and you may be asked to look in many directions. The test is most often done with your eyes closed.
• A gel is placed on the skin of your eyelids. The B-scan probe is gently placed against your eyelids to do the test.

How to Prepare for the Test

No special preparation is needed for this test.

How the Test will Feel

Your eye is numbed, so you should not have any discomfort. You may be asked to look in different directions to improve the ultrasound image or so it can view different areas of your eye.

The gel used with the B-scan may run down your cheek, but you will not feel any discomfort or pain.

Why the Test is Performed

You may need this test if you have cataracts or other eye problems.

An A-scan ultrasound measures the eye to determine the right power of a lens implant before cataract surgery .

A B-scan is done to look at the inside part of the eye or the space behind the eye that cannot be seen directly. This may occur when you have cataracts or other conditions that make it hard for the doctor to see into the back of your eye. The test may help diagnose retinal detachment , tumors, or other disorders.

Normal Results

For an A-scan, measurements of the eye are in the normal range.

For a B-scan, the structures of the eye and orbit appear normal.

What Abnormal Results Mean

A B-scan may show:

• Bleeding into the clear gel (vitreous) that fills the back of the eye (vitreous hemorrhage)
• Cancer of the retina ( retinoblastoma ), under the retina, or in other parts of the eye (such as melanoma )
• Damaged tissue or injuries in the bony socket (orbit) that surrounds and protects the eye
• Foreign bodies
• Pulling away of the retina from the back of the eye ( retinal detachment )
• Swelling (inflammation)

Risks

To avoid scratching the cornea, do not rub the numbed eye until the anesthetic wears off (about 15 minutes). There are no other risks.

Ultrasound pregnancy

Pregnancy sonogram; Obstetric ultrasonography; Obstetric sonogram; Ultrasound – pregnancy; IUGR – ultrasound; Intrauterine growth – ultrasound; Polyhydramnios – ultrasound; Oligohydramnios – ultrasound; Placenta previa – ultrasound; Multiple pregnancy – ultrasound; Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy – ultrasound; Fetal monitoring – ultrasound

A pregnancy ultrasound is an imaging test that uses sound waves to create a picture of how a baby is developing in the womb. It is also used to check the female pelvic organs during pregnancy.

How the Test is Performed

To have the procedure:

• You will lie on your back on an exam table.
• The person performing the test will spread a clear, water-based gel on your belly and pelvis area. A handheld probe will then be moved the area. The gel helps the probe transmit sound waves.
• These waves bounce off the body structures, including the developing baby, to create a picture on the ultrasound machine.

In some cases, a pregnancy ultrasound may be done by placing the probe into the vagina .

How to Prepare for the Test

You will need to have a full bladder to get the best ultrasound image. You may be asked to drink 2 to 3 glasses of liquid an hour before the test. DO NOT urinate before the procedure.

How the Test will Feel

There may be some discomfort from pressure on the full bladder. The conducting gel may feel slightly cold and wet. You will not feel the ultrasound waves.

Why the Test is Performed

An ultrasound may be done to determine if there is a problem with the pregnancy, how far along the pregnancy is, or to take measurements and screen for potential problems.

Talk to your health care provider to determine the most appropriate scanning schedule for you.

A pregnancy ultrasound may be done during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy to:

• Confirm a normal pregnancy
• Determine the baby’s age
• Look for problems, such as ectopic pregnancies or the chances for a miscarriage
• Determine the baby’s heart rate
• Look for multiple pregnancies (such as twins and triplets)
• Identify problems of the placenta, uterus, cervix, and ovaries
• Look for findings that might indicate an increased risk for Down syndrome

A pregnancy ultrasound may also be done in the second and third trimesters to:

• Determine the baby’s age, growth, position, and sometimes gender
• Identify any problems with how the fetus is developing
• Look for twins or triplets. Look at the placenta, amniotic fluid, and pelvis

Some centers are now performing a pregnancy ultrasound around 9 to 13 weeks of pregnancy to look for signs of Down syndrome or other problems in the developing baby. This test is often combined with blood tests to improve the accuracy of results.

How many ultrasounds you will need depends on whether a previous scan or blood test has detected problems that require follow-up testing.

Normal Results

The developing baby, placenta, amniotic fluid, and surrounding structures appear normal for the gestational age.

Note: Normal results may vary slightly. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

What Abnormal Results Mean

Abnormal ultrasound results may be due to some of the following conditions:

• Birth defects
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Poor growth of a baby while in the mother’s womb
• Multiple pregnancies
• Miscarriage
• Problems with the baby’s position in the womb
• Problems with the placenta, including placenta previa and placental abruption
• Too little amniotic fluid
• Too much amniotic fluid ( polyhydramnios )
• Tumors of pregnancy, including gestational trophoblastic disease
• Other problems with the ovaries, uterus, and remaining pelvic structures

Risks

Current ultrasound techniques appear to be safe. Ultrasound does not involve radiation.

Thyroid ultrasound

Ultrasound – thyroid; Thyroid sonogram; Thyroid echogram

A thyroid ultrasound is an imaging method to see the thyroid, a gland in the neck that regulates metabolism.

How the Test is Performed

Ultrasound is a painless method that uses sound waves to create images of the inside of the body. The test is usually done in the ultrasound or radiology department. It also can be done in a clinic.

The test is done in this way:

• You lie down with your neck on a pillow or other soft support. Your neck is stretched slightly.
• The ultrasound technician applies a water-based gel on your neck to help with transmit the sound waves.
• Next, the technician moves a wand, called a transducer, back and forth over the area. The transducer gives off sound waves. The sound waves go through your body and bounce off the area being studied (in this case, the thyroid gland). A computer looks at the pattern that the sound waves create when bouncing back, and creates an image from them.

How to Prepare for the Test

No special preparation is necessary for this test.

How the Test will Feel

You should feel very little discomfort with this test. The gel may be cold.

Why the Test is Performed

A thyroid ultrasound is usually done when physical exam shows any of these findings:

• You have a growth on your thyroid gland, called a thyroid nodule .
• The thyroid feels big or irregular, called a goiter .
• You have abnormal lymph nodes near your thyroid.

Ultrasound is also often used to guide the needle in biopsies of:

• Thyroid nodules or the thyroid gland . In this test, a needle draws out a small amount of tissue from the nodule or thyroid gland. This is a test to diagnose thyroid disease or thyroid cancer.
• The parathyroid gland.

Normal Results

A normal result will show that the thyroid has a normal size, shape, and position.

What Abnormal Results Mean

Abnormal results may be due to:

• Cysts
• Enlargement of the thyroid gland ( goiter )
• Thyroid nodules
• Thyroiditis, or inflammation of the thyroid (if a biopsy is done)
• Thyroid cancer (if a biopsy is done)

Your health care provider can use these results and the results of other tests to direct your care.

Risks

There are no documented risks of ultrasound.

Transvaginal ultrasound

Endovaginal ultrasound; Ultrasound – transvaginal; Fibroids – transvaginal ultrasound; Vaginal bleeding – transvaginal ultrasound; Uterine bleeding – transvaginal ultrasound; Menstrual bleeding – transvaginal ultrasound; Infertility – transvaginal ultrasound; Ovarian – transvaginal ultrasound; Abscess – transvaginal ultrasound

Transvaginal ultrasound is a test used to look at a woman’s uterus, ovaries, tubes, cervix and pelvic area.

Transvaginal means across or through the vagina. The ultrasound probe will be placed inside the vagina.

How the Test is Performed

You will lie down on a table with your knees bent. Your feet may be held in stirrups.

You will be given a probe, called a transducer, to place into the vagina. The probe is covered with a condom and a gel.

• The probe sends out sound waves, which reflect off body structures. A computer receives these waves and uses them to create a picture.
• The ultrasound technician or doctor can see the picture on a TV monitor.
• The health care provider will move the probe around the area to see the pelvic organs.

In some cases, a special transvaginal ultrasound method called saline infusion sonography (SIS) may be needed to more clearly view the uterus.

How to Prepare for the Test

You will be asked to undress, usually from the waist down. A transvaginal ultrasound is done with your bladder empty or partly filled.

How the Test will Feel

The test is most often painless, although some women may have mild discomfort from the pressure of the probe. Only a small part of the probe is placed into the vagina.

Why the Test is Performed

Transvaginal ultrasound may be done for the following problems:

• Abnormal findings on a physical exam, such as cysts, fibroid tumors, or other growths
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding and menstrual problems
• Certain types of infertility
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Pelvic pain

Transvaginal ultrasound is also used during pregnancy .

 

Normal Results

The pelvic structures or fetus is normal.

What Abnormal Results Mean

An abnormal result may be due to many conditions. Some problems that may be seen include:

• Birth defects
• Cancers of the uterus, ovaries, vagina, and other pelvic structures
• Infection, including pelvic inflammatory disease
• Growths in or around the uterus and ovaries (such as cysts or fibroids)
• Twisting of the ovaries

Risks

There are no known harmful effects of transvaginal ultrasound on humans.

Unlike traditional x-rays, there is no radiation exposure with this test.

Pelvic ultrasound – abdominal

Ultrasound pelvis; Pelvic ultrasonography; Pelvic sonography; Pelvic scan; Lower abdomen ultrasound; Gynecologic ultrasound; Transabdominal ultrasound

A pelvic (transabdominal) ultrasound is an imaging test. It is used to examine organs in the pelvis.

How the Test is Performed

During the procedure, you will lie on your back on the table. Your health care provider will apply a clear gel on your abdomen.

Your provider will place a probe (transducer), over the gel, rubbing back and forth across your belly:

• The probe sends out sound waves, which go through the gel and reflect off body structures. A computer receives these waves and uses them to create a picture.
• Your provider can see the picture on a TV monitor.

Depending on the reason for the test, women also may have a transvaginal ultrasound  during the same visit.

How to Prepare for the Test

A pelvic ultrasound may be done with a full bladder. Having a full bladder can help with looking at organs, such as the womb (uterus), within your pelvis. You may be asked to drink a few glasses of water to fill your bladder. You should wait until after the test to urinate.

How the Test will Feel

The test is painless and easy to tolerate. The conducting gel may feel a little cold and wet.

Why the Test is Performed

A pelvic ultrasound is used during pregnancy to check the baby.

A pelvic ultrasound also may be done for the following:

• Cysts, fibroid tumors , or other growths or masses in the pelvis found when your doctor examines you
• Bladder growths or other problems
• Kidney stones
• Pelvic inflammatory disease, an infection of a woman’s uterus, ovaries, or tubes
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Menstrual problems
• Problems becoming pregnant (infertility)
• Normal pregnancy
• Ectopic pregnancy , a pregnancy that occurs outside the uterus
• Pelvic pain

Pelvic ultrasound is also used during a biopsy to help guide the needle.

Normal Results

The pelvic structures or fetus are normal.

What Abnormal Results Mean

An abnormal result may be due to many conditions. Some problems that may be seen include:

• Abscess in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or pelvis
• Birth defects of the womb or vagina
• Cancers of the bladder , cervix , uterus , ovaries , vagina , and other pelvic structures
• Growths in or around the uterus and ovaries (such as cysts or fibroids)
• Twisting of the ovaries
• Enlarged lymph nodes

Risks

There are no known harmful effects of pelvic ultrasound. Unlike x-rays, there is no radiation exposure with this test.

Breast biopsy – ultrasound

Biopsy – breast – ultrasound; Ultrasound-guided breast biopsy; Core needle breast biopsy – ultrasound; Breast cancer-breast biopsy – ultrasound; Abnormal mammogram – breast biopsy – ultrasound

A breast biopsy is the removal of breast tissue to examine it for signs of breast cancer or other disorders.

There are several types of breast biopsies, including stereotactic , open, and lumpectomy . This article focuses on needle-based, ultrasound-guided breast biopsies.

How the Test is Performed

You are asked to undress from the waist up. You wear a robe that opens in the front. During the biopsy, you are awake.

You lie on your back.

The biopsy is done in the following way:

• The health care provider cleans the area on your breast.
• Numbing medicine is injected.
• The doctor makes a very small cut on your breast over the area that needs to be biopsied.
• The doctor uses an ultrasound machine to guide the needle to the abnormal area in your breast that needs to be biopsied.
• Several biopsies may be taken.
• A small metal clip or needle may be placed into the breast in the area of the biopsy to mark it, if needed.

The biopsy is done using one of the following:

• Fine needle aspiration
• Hollow needle (called a core needle)
• Vacuum-powered device
• Both a hollow needle and vacuum-powered device

Once the tissue sample has been taken, the catheter or needle is removed. Ice and pressure are applied to the site to stop any bleeding. A bandage is applied to absorb any fluid. You do not need any stitches after the needle is taken out. If needed, strips of tape may be placed to close the wound.

How to Prepare for the Test

The provider will ask about your medical history and perform a manual breast exam.

If you take medicines (including aspirin, supplements, or herbs), ask your doctor whether you need to stop taking these before the biopsy.

Tell your doctor if you may be pregnant.

DO NOT use lotion, perfume, powder, or deodorant underneath your arms or on your breasts.

How the Test will Feel

When the numbing medicine is injected, it may sting a bit.

During the procedure, you may feel slight discomfort or light pressure.

After the test, the breast may be sore and tender to the touch for several days. You can do whatever activity you want as long as it does not cause pain or discomfort. Use acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) to relieve pain.

You may have some bruising, and there will be a very small scar where the needle was inserted.

Why the Test is Performed

An ultrasound-guided breast biopsy may be done to evaluate abnormal findings on a mammogram , breast ultrasound , or during a physical exam.

To determine whether someone has breast cancer, a biopsy must be done. Tissue from the abnormal area is removed and examined under a microscope.

Normal Results

A normal result means there is no sign of cancer or other breast problems.

Your health care provider will let you know if and when you need a follow-up mammogram or other tests.

What Abnormal Results Mean

A biopsy can identify a number of breast conditions that are not cancer or precancer, including:

• Fibroadenoma
• Fat necrosis

Biopsy results may show conditions such as:

• Atypical ductal hyperplasia
• Atypical lobular hyperplasia
• Flat epithelial atypia
• Radial scar
• Intraductal papilloma
• Lobular carcinoma-in-situ

Abnormal results may mean that you have breast cancer. Two main types of breast cancer may be found:

• Ductal carcinoma starts in the tubes (ducts) that move milk from the breast to the nipple. Most breast cancers are of this type.
• Lobular carcinoma starts in parts of the breast called lobules, which produce milk.

Depending on the biopsy results, you may need further surgery or treatment.

Your provider will discuss the meaning of the biopsy results with you.

Risks

There is a slight chance of infection at the injection or incision site. Excessive bleeding is rare.

FAQ

Why would a doctor do an abdominal ultrasound?

• An abdominal ultrasound can help your doctor evaluate the cause of stomach pain or bloating. It can help check for kidney stones, liver disease, tumors, and many other conditions. Your doctor may recommend that you have an abdominal ultrasound if you’re at risk of an abdominal aortic aneurysm.

What is checked in an abdominal ultrasound?

• Abdominal ultrasound is a type of imaging test. It is used to look at organs in the abdomen, including the liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, and kidneys. The blood vessels that lead to some of these organs, such as the inferior vena cava and aorta, can also be examined with ultrasound.

What diseases can an abdominal ultrasound detect?

Providers use abdominal ultrasound tests to detect