A physician may order an abdominal ultrasound (also called a sonogram) to see the organs and blood vessels in your belly (abdomen). A healthcare provider might recommend an ultrasound test for many reasons, including to check for a developing fetus during pregnancy (often referred to as a prenatal ultrasound) or to diagnose a condition such as gallbladder disease, appendicitis, diverticulitis, or pancreatitis.

An best abdominal ultrasound exam is painless and noninvasive. You lie on an examination table while a trained care provider applies a clear, water-based conducting gel to your belly area. The gel helps the ultrasound device to transmit sound waves and create images on a screen. A handheld probe, called a transducer, is then moved over your belly. The test typically takes about 30 minutes.

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The procedure is safe for most patients, and there are no known adverse effects from exposure to standard diagnostic ultrasound. The procedure is especially useful for assessing soft tissue that does not show up well on X-ray images. Additionally, an ultrasound scan is a good tool for guiding minimally invasive procedures such as needle biopsies and fluid aspirations.

The cost of an ultrasound exam depends on the type of scan and the body part being scanned. Scans of specific organs, such as the liver or kidneys, are generally less expensive than a full-body scan. Additionally, patients who receive their ultrasound in a hospital are likely to pay more than those who receive it at an outpatient facility. Lastly, the location of the facility can impact the price as well. Patients in larger cities, such as New York City and Los Angeles, tend to pay higher prices than those living in rural areas.