Abdominal sonography provides real-time imaging of the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, and associated vasculature. It is among the most frequently requested ultrasound examinations because it is fast, safe, portable, and effective across a wide range of clinical questions.
Sonographers evaluate conditions including gallstones (cholelithiasis), acute cholecystitis, fatty liver disease, hepatocellular carcinoma, appendicitis, pancreatitis, splenomegaly, hydronephrosis, and renal masses. Doppler interrogation of portal and hepatic vessels is routinely included. Abdominal scans are ordered in emergency departments, primary care, and specialist offices.
The ARDMS Abdomen (AB) specialty module within the RDMS credential is the standard certification. Sonographers may work in hospital radiology, urgent care imaging, mobile ultrasound services, and gastroenterology or urology practices. The RDMS (AB) credential pairs naturally with other RDMS specialties such as OB/GYN or small parts.