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Abdominal-Aorta Ultrasonography
Abdominal-Aorta Ultrasonography
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Abdominal-Aorta Ultrasonography
Category: Cardiovascular system.
Subcategory: Ultrasonography.
Material studied: Abdominal aorta.
Estimated cost of test:$100.00 to $180.00.
Patient time for test: 45-60 minutes.
Reliability of test results: Good. Other tests, studies and clinical observations are necessary to establish a precise diagnosis.
Available as home self-test? No.
BEFORE THE TEST
Purpose of test:
Detects and measures an aneurysm* of the abdominal aorta.
Detects and measures a suspected aneurysm* of the abdominal aorta.
Where is test performed?
Commercial laboratory, hospital, doctor's office, outpatient or free-standing surgical facility.
Who performs test?
Lab technician, nurse, doctor.
Risks and precautions:
None.
Patient preparation:
Activity--No changes necessary.
Diet--Don't eat any food or drink any liquid for at least 12 hours before the test.
Medicines--No changes necessary.
Disrobing--Remove all clothing. Put on surgical gown.
THE TEST
Sensory factors:
Touching--You may be uncomfortable for short periods when you assume the positions the technician requests. Examining rooms are frequently uncomfortably cool when you disrobe for the examination.
Seeing--You will see strange-appearing heavy equipment in a small space.
Hearing--You will hear sounds of ultrasound machine.
Feeling--You may feel intimidated by the large equipment. Some degree of apprehension or fear is normal and should be expected. This discomfort disappears when the test is completed. You may also feel uncomfortable for a short while if small, enclosed space causes you discomfort.
Other senses (smell, taste)--Not affected.
Equipment used:
Mineral oil or gel.
Transducer.
Oscilloscope screen or television screen.
Simethicone (optional) to reduce bowel gas.
Description of test:
Follow technician's instructions for positioning your body.
Mineral oil or a gel is applied to your abdomen; it feels cool.
A transducer passes over your skin, directing inaudible soundwaves into the abdominal vessels and organs. This is a safe, painless procedure, but you feel slight pressure.
After passing through tissue, reflected soundwaves are converted into electrical impulses and displayed on a video screen for interpretation or photographing for later interpretation..
If you have a known aneurysm*, soundwaves will not cause it to rupture.
AFTER THE TEST
Immediate post-test care:
None.
Activity after test:
Gel or mineral oil is removed from your skin.
Resume normal diet.
Time before test results available:
Time before results are reported to the doctor or patient varies from a few minutes to a few days.
TEST RESULTS
Test values:
Test results are determined by studying images created by high-frequency soundwaves.
Normal values:
No anatomical or functional abnormalities.
Aorta no greater than 2.5cm in diameter.
What ABNORMAL may indicate:
Aneurysm* of the abdominal aorta.
If the diameter of the passageway (lumen) inside the vessel is greater than 4cm, the condition is aneurysmal. If it is over 7cm, it is also aneurysmal, with a high risk of rupturing.
Taking these drugs may affect test results:
None expected.
Other factors that may affect test results:
Bowel gas and motility.
Excessive movement on your part.
Surgical wounds.
Severe, labored breathing.
Obesity.
Barium from previous gastrointestinal studies within the past 24 hours.
Air introduced during endoscopy within the previous 12 to 24 hours.
Failure to fast overnight.
*See Glossary.
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From Complete Guide to Medical Tests by H. Winter Griffith, M.D. Copyright by Fisher Books. Electronic rights by Medical Data Exchange.
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