General abdominal sonography encompasses comprehensive ultrasound evaluation of the solid and hollow viscera of the abdomen, including the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, adrenal glands, and abdominal aorta. It is one of the highest-volume diagnostic ultrasound examinations performed worldwide.
Sonographers systematically image each organ, noting size, echogenicity, echotexture, and focal abnormalities. Common findings include gallstones, hepatic steatosis, renal calculi, hydronephrosis, splenic enlargement, pancreatic ductal dilation, and aortic aneurysm. Doppler assessment of abdominal vessels is incorporated when indicated. Acute abdominal protocols assess for free fluid, appendicitis, and cholecystitis.
General abdominal sonography is the core application of the RDMS (AB) credential. It is performed in hospital emergency and radiology departments, outpatient imaging centers, primary care offices, and mobile imaging services. Sonographers with RDMS (AB) credentials have broad employment options across virtually all healthcare settings.