Advantages of ultrasound imaging of<unk>  structures are that the procedure can be performed quickly, bed-side, involves no exposure to X-rays (which makes it useful in pregnant patients, for example) and is inexpensive compared to other often-used techniques such as computed tomography (CT scan) of the abdomen. Disadvantages are troublesome imaging if a lot of gas is present inside the bowels, if there is a lot of<unk>  fat, and that the quality of the imaging depends on the experience of the person performing it. The imaging occurs real-time and without sedation, so that the influence of movements can be assessed quickly. For example, by pressing the ultrasound probe against the gallbladder, a radiological Murphy's sign can be elicited. Through the<unk>  wall, organs inside the pelvis can be seen, such as the urinary bladder or the ovaries and uterus in women. Because water is an excellent conductor for ultrasound waves, visualizing these structures often requires a well-filled urinary bladder (this means the patients has to drink plenty of water before the examination).
Abdominal ultrasonography
Hepatogram
Liver function tests
Abdominal examination
Rectal examination
Blood smear
Ultrasound transmission tomography
Assessment of kidney function