You may need an abdominal ultrasound if you have unexplained belly pain, ongoing nausea or vomiting, bloating or swelling, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or abnormal liver or kidney test results. It is also used to look for gallstones and kidney stones. A one-time screening for an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is recommended for men aged 65 to 75 who have ever smoked. A provider has to evaluate you first to decide whether an ultrasound is the right test.
Abdominal pain has dozens of possible causes, and it is hard to tell from the outside which one you have. An abdominal ultrasound is often the first test providers use to look inside without radiation, needles, or recovery time. If you’re in Las Vegas and wondering whether your symptoms call for one, this guide covers it.
At Sahara West Urgent Care & Wellness, our team evaluates abdominal symptoms and offers ultrasound services by appointment. Not sure if your symptoms need imaging? Call (702) 248-0554 and we’ll help you figure out the right next step.
What Is an Abdominal Ultrasound?
An abdominal ultrasound is a painless imaging test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create real-time pictures of the organs and blood vessels in your belly. A handheld device called a transducer is moved across your abdomen with a layer of warm gel, and the images appear on a monitor as the exam happens.
A complete abdominal ultrasound typically looks at:
- Liver (size, texture, fat buildup, masses)
- Gallbladder and bile ducts (gallstones, inflammation, blockages)
- Pancreas (as far as it can be seen)
- Spleen (enlargement)
- Kidneys (stones, cysts, swelling from blocked urine flow)
- Abdominal aorta (the body’s largest artery, checked for widening or aneurysm)
Because ultrasound uses sound waves rather than X-rays, it involves no ionizing radiation. That makes it a common choice for adults, children, and pregnant patients.
Symptoms That May Call for an Abdominal Ultrasound
You don’t diagnose yourself from a symptom list, but these are the most common reasons a provider recommends an abdominal ultrasound:
| Symptom or Finding | What an Ultrasound May Help Evaluate |
|---|---|
| Pain in the upper right abdomen, especially after eating | Gallstones, gallbladder inflammation, liver conditions |
| Persistent nausea or vomiting with abdominal discomfort | Gallbladder, liver, pancreas, or kidney problems |
| Pain in the side or back that comes in waves, sometimes with blood in the urine | Kidney stones, kidney swelling from a blocked ureter |
| Bloating, fullness, or visible abdominal swelling | Fluid buildup, enlarged organs, masses, cysts |
| Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice) | Bile duct blockage, gallstones, liver disease |
| Abnormal liver function blood tests | Fatty liver disease, liver enlargement, bile duct issues |
| Unexplained weight loss with belly symptoms | Masses or organ abnormalities (further testing is often needed) |
| A pulsing sensation or a lump in the abdomen | Abdominal aortic aneurysm |
| An enlarged organ or mass felt during a physical exam | Size, location, and whether it is solid or fluid-filled |
Have these symptoms and need answers? Contact Sahara West or call (702) 248-0554 to schedule an evaluation or ultrasound appointment.
Other Situations Where an Abdominal Ultrasound Is Used
Symptoms aren’t the only reason. Providers also order an abdominal ultrasound:
- After abnormal lab results. Elevated liver enzymes or kidney markers often need imaging to find the cause.
- To follow up on something found on another test. A spot on an X-ray or CT, or a finding from a previous scan, may need a closer look.
- To monitor a known condition. Examples include gallstones, kidney cysts, fatty liver, or an enlarged spleen.
- To guide procedures. Ultrasound can guide a needle during a biopsy or fluid drainage.
- To screen for an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). See below.
AAA Screening: Who Should Be Screened?
An abdominal aortic aneurysm is a bulge in the wall of the aorta. Many people have no symptoms until it becomes large, and a rupture is a medical emergency.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends one-time AAA screening with ultrasound for men aged 65 to 75 who have ever smoked. “Ever smoked” generally means smoking 100 or more cigarettes in your lifetime. For men in that age range who have never smoked, screening is offered selectively based on individual risk. For women, the evidence is more limited. Routine screening is not recommended for women who have never smoked, and the benefit for women who have smoked or have a family history is still unclear.
Not sure whether you fit the criteria? Ask a provider about your smoking history, age, and family history before booking.
When NOT to Wait: Go to the ER
An ultrasound appointment is not the right path for every abdominal problem. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you have:
- Sudden, severe abdominal pain, or pain that is worsening quickly
- A hard, rigid belly or severe pain when the belly is touched or released
- Vomiting blood, or black, tarry, or bloody stools
- Fainting, lightheadedness, or a rapid heartbeat with abdominal or back pain
- Chest pain or trouble breathing
- Severe abdominal pain with fever, or jaundice with fever and chills
- Severe pain or heavy bleeding during pregnancy
- Sudden severe abdominal or back pain in someone with a known or suspected aneurysm
Urgent care is a good fit for non-life-threatening symptoms. If you are unsure which category yours falls into, treat it as an emergency.
What an Abdominal Ultrasound Can’t Always Show
Ultrasound is a strong first-line test, but it has limits:
- Gas and body habitus. Gas in the intestines or additional abdominal tissue can make some organs harder to see clearly.
- Some organs and conditions. The pancreas and bowel can be hard to evaluate fully, and some conditions need CT, MRI, blood work, or other tests.
- Follow-up may be needed. A normal ultrasound doesn’t always rule out a problem, and an abnormal one often leads to more testing.
Your provider will explain what the results mean and whether you need another test.
Abdominal Ultrasound vs. Pelvic Ultrasound
Patients often mix these up. An abdominal ultrasound focuses on the upper abdomen: liver, gallbladder, kidneys, spleen, pancreas, and aorta. A pelvic ultrasound examines the reproductive organs and bladder, and it usually requires a full bladder. Preparation differs between the two, so tell the team at scheduling exactly what symptoms you’re having so the right exam is booked. Sahara West offers both abdominal and pelvic and gynecological ultrasound.
How to Prepare for an Abdominal Ultrasound
Following preparation instructions improves image quality and avoids rescheduling.
| Preparation Step | Instruction at Sahara West |
|---|---|
| Fasting | Fast for 6 to 8 hours before the scan. No food or dairy; small sips of water are allowed. |
| Bladder | No specific bladder preparation for an abdominal scan. |
| Medications | Bring a list of what you take. Ask the team at scheduling about any medications you’re unsure about. |
| Clothing | Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your abdomen. |
If you’re also having a pelvic ultrasound, the bladder instructions are different, so ask when you book.
What to Expect During the Exam
- You lie on your back on an exam table.
- Warm gel is applied to your abdomen.
- The sonographer or provider moves the transducer across your belly. You may feel light pressure, but the scan itself is not painful.
- You may be asked to hold your breath briefly or change positions so organs can be seen more clearly.
- A complete abdominal ultrasound often takes around 30 minutes.
There is no recovery time, and most people return to normal activities and eating right away.
Abdominal Ultrasound at Sahara West Urgent Care & Wellness
When you’re dealing with abdominal discomfort, waiting weeks for an outpatient imaging appointment is stressful, and an ER visit isn’t always necessary. Sahara West offers on-site ultrasound as a practical option between primary care and the ER for appropriate, non-emergency cases.
What to know before you come in:
- Ultrasound is by appointment only, currently available every other Wednesday. Call (702) 248-0554 to confirm the next available date.
- A referral may not be required, depending on your medical evaluation.
- Location: 6125 West Sahara Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89146
- Clinic hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm, Saturday 9am to 3pm
- Insurance and payment: We accept most major insurance plans, including Medicare, and offer self-pay options. Cherry and CareCredit payment plans may be available for eligible patients. See our accepted insurances or call to verify your plan.
- Language support: Tagalog and Hawaiian-speaking providers are available on-site.
We welcome patients from across the valley, including Las Vegas, Spring Valley, Summerlin, Enterprise, Winchester, and Henderson.
If imaging isn’t the right test for your symptoms, our urgent care and primary care providers can evaluate you and point you to the right next step. If you also need other imaging, we offer X-rays on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Preparing for a procedure? Ask about pre-op clearance.
Ready to schedule? Call (702) 248-0554 or contact our team online to book your ultrasound appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I get an abdominal ultrasound?
Consider one when you have unexplained or recurring abdominal pain, persistent nausea or vomiting, bloating or swelling, jaundice, or abnormal liver or kidney tests, or when your provider recommends AAA screening. Sudden severe pain is an emergency and should go to the ER.
What does an abdominal ultrasound check for?
It evaluates the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, and abdominal aorta. It can help identify gallstones, kidney stones, cysts, fatty liver, enlarged organs, fluid buildup, and aortic aneurysms.
Is an abdominal ultrasound painful?
No. You may feel mild pressure from the transducer and the gel may feel cool, but the exam itself is painless.
Does an abdominal ultrasound use radiation?
No. Ultrasound uses sound waves, not ionizing radiation.
Do I need to fast for an abdominal ultrasound?
At Sahara West, abdominal scans require fasting for 6 to 8 hours beforehand, with no food or dairy and only small sips of water.
How long does an abdominal ultrasound take?
A complete exam often takes about 30 minutes. Arrive on time and follow your fasting instructions to avoid delays.
Can I walk in for an abdominal ultrasound at Sahara West?
No. Ultrasound is by appointment only, currently every other Wednesday. Call (702) 248-0554 to schedule.
Do I need a referral?
A referral may not be required depending on your medical evaluation. Call the clinic to confirm what applies to you.
What if I have severe abdominal pain right now?
Go to the nearest emergency room or call 911. Urgent care is for non-life-threatening symptoms.
Can an abdominal ultrasound detect cancer?
It can reveal masses or abnormalities in abdominal organs, but it cannot confirm a diagnosis on its own. If something unusual appears, your provider will recommend further testing.
