Gallbladder Ultrasound

Ultrasound First will perform a gallbladder ultrasound to create images of your gallbladder using sound waves. This safe and non-invasive diagnostic procedure allows your doctor to assess the health and condition of your gallbladder.

Here’s what you can expect during your gallbladder ultrasound with Ultrasound First:

  1. Preparation: Typically, no special preparation is required for a gallbladder ultrasound. However, your doctor may advise you to fast for a few hours before the test to ensure your gallbladder is empty, which helps improve visualization of the gallbladder and surrounding structures.
  2. Procedure: You will lie down on an examination table, and a skilled sonographer from Ultrasound First will apply a clear gel to your abdomen. This gel enhances the transmission of sound waves. The sonographer will use a handheld device called a transducer.
  3. Transducer placement: The sonographer will gently press the transducer against your abdomen and move it to capture different views of your gallbladder. The transducer emits high-frequency sound waves that bounce off your internal organs, including the gallbladder.
  4. Image creation: As the sound waves encounter different tissues in your body, they produce echoes. The transducer picks up these echoes, converting them into images displayed on a monitor in real-time. The sonographer will carefully examine these images.
  5. Observations: The skilled sonographer from Ultrasound First will assess the size, shape, and overall appearance of your gallbladder. They will check for any abnormalities, such as gallstones, inflammation, or signs of infection. They may also examine the nearby bile ducts, liver, and pancreas for associated issues.
  6. Duration: A gallbladder ultrasound typically takes about 15 to 30 minutes to complete, depending on factors such as the complexity of the case or the need for additional views.
  7. Results: After the ultrasound, a specialized radiologist will review the images and interpret the findings. They will provide a report to your doctor, who will discuss the results with you during a follow-up appointment. The ultrasound helps your doctor make a diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment plan, if necessary.

Gallbladder ultrasounds performed by Ultrasound First are generally painless and do not have any known risks or side effects. This procedure provides valuable information about the condition of your gallbladder, enabling your healthcare team to make informed decisions about your health.