Ultrasound Scan of the Abdomen with Contrast

About the Examination

You are scheduled for an ultrasound scan of your abdomen. During an ultrasound examination, we use sound waves to create images of the internal structures of the body. The sound waves are emitted and received through an ultrasound probe, which is moved across the skin. In some cases, we use contrast agent to make the distinction between blood vessels, organs, and tissue clearer.
The examination takes up to 45 minutes, but you should allow up to 1 hour due to possible waiting time.

Important Preparation

Arrive Fasting

You must arrive fasting. This means that you may not eat or drink during the 4 hours leading up to your appointment. This also applies to lozenges and chewing gum.

Take your medication with a small glass of water

Up until the examination, you may take your usual medication with a small glass of water, even though you are fasting.

Contact us if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

If you are or may be pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding, special precautions apply. Therefore, you must contact us before the examination.

Inform us if you have previously reacted to any contrast agent

If you have previously experienced a reaction to contrast agents, you must contact us before the scan. Please also inform us when you arrive for the examination.

The Examination

Preparing you for the contrast agent

Before the scan, we will place a needle in a vein in your arm so we can administer the contrast agent during the examination.

The examination

You will be lying down while we perform the scan. We administer contrast agent through the vein in your arm. We apply gel to your abdomen and move the ultrasound probe across the skin with light pressure. The probe creates images of your abdomen, which are displayed on a screen.

Please remain for 30 minutes afterwards

A small number of patients experience side effects from the contrast agent. For this reason, we recommend that you remain seated in the waiting area for 30 minutes after receiving the contrast so you can alert us if you feel unwell.

After the Examination

In case you feel unwell

If you develop a rash, itching, redness, or feel unwell, it may be a sign that your body is reacting to the contrast agent. Contact your general practitioner or the Emergency Helpline at 1813.

Results

You will be given an initial assessment while the scan is being performed. The detailed report will be sent to the physician or department that referred you. You can also access the final result on www.sundhed.dk or www.minsundhedsplatform.dk.

Learn More

You can find further information about abdominal ultrasound scans at www.patienthåndbogen.dk by searching for “ultralyd, abdomen”.
Information about your rights, along with guidance and resources to support you throughout your course of care, is available to you and your relatives at www.nordsjaellandshospital.dk/patientguiden.