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Radiology changes abdomen limited ultrasound protocol

09 Oct 2022

Ultrasound, CT within last 30 days no longer required



By: Justin Millar, Imaging Services manager

We worked with our radiologist team to update the abdomen limited ultrasound protocol. Effective now, this order should be placed only when wanting to image a specific area of the abdomen. We also removed the requirement to have either an abdomen complete ultrasound or a CT of the abdomen/pelvis within the last 30 days.

Any one of the following protocols are available for a limited abdomen ultrasound exam. Examples listed here for each:

  • Right upper quadrant ultrasound
    • RUQ pain
    • Jaundice
    • HCC screening
    • Masses of the liver or gallbladder
    • Pyloric stenosis
  • Left upper quadrant ultrasound
    • Splenomegaly
    • Suspected splenic mass
  • Right lower quadrant ultrasound
    • Suspected appendicitis
    • Intussusception
  • Superficial abdominal ultrasound
    • Palpable superficial mass
    • Suspected hernia
    • Inguinal lymphadenopathy

More details under comments on the order will ensure that the most comprehensive and targeted exam is done. If providers would like multiple areas of the abdomen imaged, a complete abdomen ultrasound is still most appropriate.

Please contact us with questions at 503-814-1248.