Ultrasound is safe and painless, and produces pictures of the inside of the body using sound waves.

Ultrasound imaging, also called ultrasound scanning or sonography, involves the use of a small transducer (probe) and ultrasound gel placed directly on the skin. High-frequency sound waves are transmitted from the probe through the gel into the body. Abdominal ultrasound imaging is performed to evaluate the kidneys, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen and abdominal aorta and other blood vessels of the abdomen.

Ultrasound is used to help diagnose a variety of conditions, such as abdominal pain or distention, abnormal liver function, enlarged abdominal organ, stones in the gallbladder or kidney,  or aneurysms in the aorta. Ultrasound is used to help diagnose a variety of conditions, such as abdominal pain or distention, abnormal liver function, enlarged abdominal organ, stones in the gallbladder or kidney, an aneurysm in the aorta.