If you are unsure which US Abdomen is appropriate for your patient, you can search "US Abdomen Order Guide" in APEX. It will list the details of each exam type:
Order US Abdomen Limited* (includes main portal vein Doppler) for the following:
- RUQ pain (gallstones, biliary / pancreatic questions)
- Diffuse liver disease (fatty liver, abnormal LFT's)
- LUQ pain (splenic evaluation)
- Suspect pyloric stenosis, malrotation, intussusception, necrotizing enterocolitis, ascites
- Groin/inguinal hernia evaluation
Order US Appendix (RLQ) for appendicitis evaluation. (For ovarian torsion, please order pelvic US with Doppler in addition)
Order US Liver HCC Screening for HCC screening (outpatient)
Order US Abdomen Limited* with Doppler for the following:
- Pre and Post Liver Transplant
- TIPS evaluation
- Any Hepatic / Splenic vasculature assessment
Order US Abdomen Limited* with Elastography** for the following:
- Diffuse liver disease (fatty liver, abnormal LFT's) with concern for advanced fibrosis/cirrhosis
**To be performed as outpatient only, unless there is attending radiologist approval. Patients must be fasting for 4-6 hours.
*US Abdomen Limited includes targeted evaluation of the abdomen (i.e. RUQ - – liver, gallbladder, main portal vein, pancreas, right kidney).
US Abdomen Complete includes evaluation of all solid abdominal organs (liver, gallbladder, main portal vein, pancreas kidneys, spleen, bladder). It is an “US Abdomen Limited” exam plus left kidney, spleen, and bladder evaluation. Spleen measurement is often added to abdomen limited if history suggests cirrhosis.