Also called abdominal sonography is performed to assess the liver, gallbladder & bile ducts, kidneys, pancreas, spleen and aorta. It can help to diagnose a number of conditions causing pain such as gallstones, kidney stones, enlarged organ, injured spleen, inflamed appendix or aortic aneurysm.

You may be asked to eat a fat-free meal on the evening before the test and then fast overnight or avoid eating for 8 to 12 hours before the test. Fasting distends the gallbladder and avoids excessive gas remaining in the intestines which can interfere with the ultrasound waves. Fasting enables clear visualisation of organs thus improving the performance of the test.

You need to ring 0161 226 9259 or email Appointments@harmonicmedicalsonography.com to inform the booking staff if you are diabetic. This will ensure you are given a morning appointment or appropriate advice. As soon as the scan is completed, you will be able to eat and drink normally as well as continue taking your medication. This is important so that the fasting does not interfere with your sugar levels.

At the scan, you will lie on your back on an examination couch. The transducer will be moved back and forth across your abdomen to image the area of interest. You may be asked to turn on your side or sit up. You may also be asked to take a deep breath in and hold it for a short while in order to obtain clear images.