Abdominal Ultrasound Singapore: A Comprehensive Guide

What is an abdominal ultrasound?

An abdominal ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging test that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce real-time images of the organs and blood vessels within your abdomen. Since this procedure uses soundwaves instead of ionising radiation, ultrasounds are often considered safe and have no known risks.

This imaging test is commonly used to evaluate your abdominal organs, such as the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, spleen, and blood vessels like the aorta and inferior vena cava. In Singapore, abdominal ultrasound is widely available and can be performed at private clinics, polyclinics, or hospitals.

How does an abdominal ultrasound work?

The abdomen ultrasound involves a technician, called a sonographer, gliding a handheld device called a transducer over your abdomen. To create an image, the transducer emits high-frequency sound waves into the belly. These waves bounce off internal structures such as your organs, blood vessels, and other soft tissues and return to the transducer as echoes.

The speed and intensity of the returning sound waves allow the ultrasound machine to differentiate between various tissue types. A computer then processes this information to produce a real-time image, called a sonogram, which can be viewed on a screen. 

Find out more about our health screening services and how they can benefit you here.

When do  I need an abdominal ultrasound?

Your doctor may perform an abdominal ultrasound for various reasons, including:

• Diagnosing abdominal pain or swelling.

• Monitoring fluid buildup or organ enlargement.

• Evaluating an abnormal liver due to liver disease and kidney infections or other kidney tests.

• Detecting conditions like cysts, collection of pus (abscesses), appendicitis, gallstones, kidney stones, or tumours.

• Guiding procedures such as biopsies or catheter insertions by helping assist in the placement of needles used in the biopsy procedure.

In addition to the medical conditions mentioned above, abdominal ultrasound is the most commonly performed test to screen for abdominal aortic aneurysms. A condition that occurs when a lower part of the body's main artery, called the aorta, becomes weakened and bulges.

An early diagnosis will help your healthcare provider take the necessary steps to manage and treat the aneurysm. The rupture of an aortic aneurysm can potentially result in life-threatening bleeding.

If you are concerned about symptoms such as unexplained abdominal pain, request an appointment with Thomson Medical. Our specialists can help with further diagnosis, including an abdominal ultrasound to determine the underlying causes of your symptoms. 

What to expect during the procedure

Your healthcare provider will inform you of what type of preparation you will need to do, as it may vary depending on your condition.

Usually, patients are asked to fast from 8 to 12 hours before the abdomen ultrasound begins to reduce gas buildup in the abdomen, which can affect the results. Loose clothing is recommended, and jewellery should be removed beforehand.

During the abdominal ultrasound scan

When the abdominal ultrasound test is conducted, you will be instructed to lie on your back on an examination table. Then your healthcare provider puts a special ultrasound gel on your abdomen to improve contact between your skin and the transducer.

The sonographer will then gently move the transducer across your abdomen to assess it. The device will send signals to the computer and show how blood flows through the structures within your belly area.

You may need to hold your breath or change positions occasionally for better imaging. The process is usually painless and takes around 20–30 minutes.

If your healthcare provider wants to study your blood vessels, they may include a Doppler ultrasound in your test. A Doppler ultrasound is another type of ultrasound that uses sound waves to detect details of how blood flows inside your blood vessels.

After the procedure

Once the scan has been completed, you can resume normal activities immediately unless instructed otherwise by your healthcare provider.

The ultrasound pictures will then be examined and analysed by a radiologist who will inform your doctor of their findings, usually in about a week or less. Your healthcare provider will then discuss the results with you during a follow-up appointment.

However, if your doctor suspects an urgent concern or a potentially life-threatening condition, you will get your results right away.

If your test results show an aortic aneurysm or other health concern, you and your healthcare team discuss a treatment plan. Treatment for an abdominal aortic aneurysm may include regular health checkups, also called watchful waiting, or surgery.

How do I interpret my results?

The results of the abdomen ultrasound examination are classified into two main categories, normal and abnormal.

• Normal results indicate no visible abnormalities in organ size, shape, or function. However, they do not rule out all conditions.

• Abnormal results may reveal issues such as organ damage, tumours, cysts, infections, or vascular anomalies. Further testing may be required for a definitive diagnosis.

What do abnormal results mean?

Abnormal results will depend on the organ that is being examined and the type of problem detected, which could signify health conditions like:

• Gallstones or kidney stones

• Abdominal aortic aneurysm

• Abscess

• Tumours (benign or malignant)

• Fluid buildup in the abdomen

• Appendicitis

• Vascular issues such as aneurysms. 

If you have any of the aforementioned medical conditions, your doctor will discuss the appropriate treatment options with you. Additionally, follow-up tests such as CT scans, MRIs, or blood work may be required for diagnosis and treatment planning

If your abdomen ultrasound shows abnormal conditions, don't hesitate to consult a doctor. Request an appointment with Thomson Medical for recommendations based on your medical conditions and further evaluation.

Abdominal ultrasounds cost in Singapore

The cost of an abdominal ultrasound in Singapore depends on whether it is done as a stand-alone test or as part of a health screening package, as well as the choice of medical facility.

You can also use up to SGD 300 per year from your MediSave account at select clinics to help cover the cost. If you have private insurance, you may need to check with your individual provider to see if an abdominal ultrasound is covered under your policy.

For detailed fee information and payment options, please consult your healthcare provider directly. Request an appointment with our specialists at Thomson Medical today for a detailed price breakdown and a personalised care plan.

FAQ

How long are abdominal ultrasounds?

The procedure typically lasts 20–30 minutes but may take longer if more detailed imaging is required.

Are abdominal ultrasounds safe?

Yes, they are entirely safe, as they do not use radiation and have no known side effects. They are suitable for patients of all ages, including pregnant individuals.

Are there any risks for abdominal ultrasounds?

Abdominal ultrasounds are considered risk-free. Occasionally, mild discomfort from pressure applied by the transducer may occur during the scan.

Do abdominal ultrasounds hurt?

Abdominal ultrasounds are not painful. However, if you experience stomach pain during the procedure, you may experience some discomfort. Be sure to let your sonographer know immediately if the pain becomes severe.

What cancers can an abdominal ultrasound detect?

An abdominal ultrasound can help your healthcare provider observe the liver, pancreas, kidneys, and other abdominal organs for signs of cancerous growths or tumors

Why would a doctor order an abdominal ultrasound?

Abdominal ultrasound may be used to assess the size and location of abdominal organs and structures. It can also be used to check the abdomen for conditions such as cysts and tumours.

The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and tailored advice, request an appointment with Thomson Medical.