This investigation will evaluate the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen and kidneys.
The abdominal aorta can be assessed using colour Doppler.
Abdominal ultrasound will also detect abnormal fluid (ascites) and abnormal mass lesions.
Trans-abdominal evaluation of the uterus and ovaries can be done using the full bladder as an acoustic window. However, trans-vaginal ultrasound is better to evaluate the pelvic organs and is commonly done by your gynaecologist.
Patient preparation requires fasting for 12 hours prior to the investigation. This is typically for evaluation of the gallbladder. Should the investigation be aimed at the pelvic organs, the bladder should be full.