A Patient’s Guide to Abdominal Ultrasounds in New Orleans

Key Insights

• Abdominal ultrasounds are a first-line imaging test for abdominal pain, swelling, and other unexplained symptoms.

• These exams can detect issues such as gallstones, liver disease, kidney stones, pancreatic problems, and aneurysms.

• There are two standardized types of abdominal ultrasounds: complete (CPT 76700) and limited (CPT 76705).

• Fasting for 8 hours before the exam ensures clearer images, especially of the gallbladder.

  
  

When your provider recommends imaging to investigate abdominal pain, swelling, or other unexplained symptoms, one of the most common exams is an abdominal ultrasound. This noninvasive scan creates detailed images of the organs and blood vessels in your abdomen, helping your provider evaluate their structure and function without the need for surgery.

Because ultrasounds use sound waves instead of radiation, they are considered safe, painless, and effective for diagnosing many conditions. If you’ve been scheduled for one, understanding why it’s done, how to prepare, and what happens afterward can help you feel more confident about the process.

Why Abdominal Ultrasounds Are Ordered

Abdominal ultrasounds are often the first imaging step when a patient reports abdominal symptoms. Providers order them because they are quick, safe, and able to capture real-time images. You may need one if you are experiencing:

• Persistent abdominal pain or bloating

• Nausea, vomiting, or unexplained digestive changes

• Abnormal liver, kidney, or pancreas test results

• Blood in the urine or urinary concerns

• Unexplained swelling in the abdomen

• Changes in appetite or sudden weight loss

  
  

Ultrasound can be used for both diagnosis and monitoring, making it a versatile tool in routine and urgent care settings.

What Conditions Can Be Detected

An abdominal ultrasound can reveal a wide range of issues affecting major organs and blood vessels. Common findings include:

• Gallstones and gallbladder disease: Hardened deposits that may block bile ducts and cause pain.

• Liver conditions: Including fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, cysts, and tumors.

• Kidney stones or urinary blockages: Obstructions that can lead to swelling or hydronephrosis.

• Pancreatic problems: Such as pancreatitis or pancreatic masses.

• Aortic aneurysms: Dangerous bulges in the abdominal aorta.

• Enlarged spleen: Often tied to infection, blood disorders, or liver disease.

• Bladder abnormalities: Including bladder stones or abnormal wall thickening.

  
  

Because the test provides real-time imaging, providers can also evaluate blood flow.

Types of Abdominal Ultrasounds

Your doctor may order one of two main types of abdominal ultrasound:

• Complete Abdominal Ultrasound: A comprehensive exam that evaluates the liver, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, bladder, gallbladder, bile ducts, and major abdominal blood vessels. It is often ordered when symptoms are broad or multiple organs need assessment.

• Limited Abdominal Ultrasound: A targeted exam focusing on specific organs, such as the gallbladder, liver, or right kidney. This type is useful when your provider is investigating a localized concern or following up on a known condition.

  
  

Both types provide accurate imaging that supports early diagnosis and treatment planning.

How to Prepare for an Abdominal Ultrasound

Preparation helps ensure your exam produces clear images. Before your appointment, you will typically be asked to:

• Fast for 8 hours prior to the exam. Avoid food and drink, except for water. Fasting prevents gas or food in the stomach from blocking the views of organs, especially the gallbladder.

• Wear loose-fitting clothing for easy access to your abdomen.

• Remove jewelry or piercings around the abdominal area.

  
  

If fasting instructions are not followed, your gallbladder may not be visible, and the exam may need to be rescheduled.

What to Expect After the Ultrasound

An abdominal ultrasound is painless and requires no recovery time. After the scan, the images are reviewed by a radiologist or your physician. A formal report is then sent to your provider, who will explain the findings.

Depending on your results, your doctor may:

• Confirm or rule out suspected conditions

• Recommend additional testing

• Suggest treatment or ongoing monitoring

  
  

You can eat, drink, and resume your usual activities immediately after your appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an abdominal ultrasound safe?

Yes. Ultrasounds are widely regarded as among the safest imaging tests available. They use sound waves, not radiation, and have no empirically proven risks or side effects. The test is painless and noninvasive, making it suitable for both adults and children.

What does an abdominal ultrasound show?

An abdominal ultrasound shows the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, bladder, and abdominal blood vessels. It can detect gallstones, kidney stones, liver disease, cysts, tumors, fluid buildup, and blockages, giving providers detailed insight into abdominal health.

Does an abdominal ultrasound show kidney stones?

Yes. Kidney stones often appear as bright, reflective spots in the kidneys or urinary tract. Ultrasound is often the first test ordered in emergency or urgent care settings for suspected stones, since it is safe and readily available. However, CT scans are the most definitive imaging method for detecting very small stones or confirming borderline findings.

What can I eat or drink before an abdominal ultrasound?

You should not eat or drink anything except water for 8 hours before your appointment. Fasting prevents interference that could block clear images of your gallbladder and other organs. 

How long does an abdominal ultrasound take?

Most exams take 20 to 45 minutes. Limited ultrasounds may be completed faster, while complete exams that evaluate multiple organs may take longer.

Abdominal Ultrasound Services at Nola Diagnostic Ultrasound

At Nola Diagnostic Ultrasound, we provide both complete and limited abdominal ultrasounds:

• Abdominal Complete ($250, CPT 76700): A thorough exam that evaluates the liver, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, bladder, gallbladder, bile ducts, and abdominal blood vessels. This scan is often ordered for more complex or unclear symptoms.

• Abdominal Limited ($235, CPT 76705): A focused study of specific areas such as the liver, pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts, and right kidney. This exam is useful when investigating localized pain or monitoring an existing condition.

  
  

Both options deliver reliable imaging to support early detection and effective care planning.

Schedule Your Abdominal Ultrasound in Greater New Orleans

If your provider has recommended an abdominal ultrasound, Nola Diagnostic Ultrasound is here to help you get the health answers you need. We specialize in affordable diagnostic imaging, offering safe, accurate results without the delays of larger hospitals.

Book your abdominal ultrasound in Metairie and take the next step toward greater peace of mind.

A provider’s order is required to schedule an abdominal ultrasound. Please consult with your physician before booking your exam.