Final answer:
An abdominal ultrasound is usually performed to examine the abdomen. Other tests that can examine the abdomen include abdominal X-ray, CT scan, and HIDA scan.
Step-by-step explanation:
An abdominal ultrasound is usually performed to examine the abdomen. This test can detect gall stones that might block the outflow of fluid from the pancreas and can show an abscess or a pancreatic pseudocyst. It uses sound waves to create images of the abdominal organs.
Other tests that can examine the abdomen include:
- Abdominal X-ray: This test can show evidence of gallbladder disease, such as gallstones.
- Computed tomography (CT): This scan constructs detailed X-ray images of the abdominal organs.
- HIDA scan: During this test, a radioactive material, called hydroxy iminodiacetic acid (HIDA), is injected into the patient to measure gallbladder function. Also known as cholescintigraphy.