Abdominal

An ‘Abdominal Doppler Test’ evaluate the blood flow through the arteries and veins of your abdomen.  An abdominal scan can detect obstructions in the blood flow, as well as conditions such as abdominal masses, gallbladder disease, and gallstones, as well as liver, kidney, pancreas, and spleen problems. If your physician suspects a blockage or a bulging, weak area (aneurysm) in a blood vessel, it is recommended.

In the Liver, a Doppler test is used to evaluate the portal vein, hepatic vein, hepatic artery, IVC, and Aorta flow.

In the kidney, a Doppler test is used to assess blood flow inside the kidney and to/ away from the kidney. It is especially done to rule out Renal artery stenosis in young hypertensives.

What happens during Abdominal Doppler Test?

You’ll lie on your back on a comfortable table for an abdominal Doppler test. Please pull up your cloth or medical gown for clear access. A water-based gel will be applied to your stomach through an ultrasound probe. The Radiologist will gently move the probe back and forth over the skin on top of the gel until he sees the concerned areas clearly. 

Sound waves will bounce off certain organs and tissue in your body, creating echoes. These will be reflected in the transducer converting them into electronic signals. These Doppler sound waves detect details of how blood flows inside your abdominal blood vessels. It uses a color map to display the speed and direction of blood flow within the vessels. It can help to identify abnormalities such as blockages, narrowing of blood vessels, or abnormal blood flow patterns.

The system connected to the probe will translate the signals into pictures and shows them on a monitor.

Instructions:

• Avoid eating meals 8 hours prior to your exam time. Overnight fasting is better.
• If you need to take medicine, please use a small amount of water to wash the pills down but avoid other fluids. 
• Wear loose-fitting clothes that allow visualization and access to your abdomen.