UT Southwestern Department of Radiology
US Abdomen Limited (RUQ) 06-01-2020.docx Revision date: 06-01-2020
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Ultrasound – Limited Abdomen of Right Upper Quadrant
PURPOSE:
To evaluate the right upper quadrant (RUQ) including the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas, and
right kidney.
SCOPE:
Applies to all US Abdomen RUQ studies performed in Imaging Services / Radiology
ORDERABLE:
• US Abdomen Limited (RUQ)
CHARGEABLES:
• US Abdomen Limited (CPT 76705)
INDICATIONS:
• Signs or symptoms (eg. pain) referred to right upper quadrant or right flank;
• Abnormal lab values (examples: increased LFTs, amylase/lipase, etc);
• Abnormal findings on other imaging studies;
• Follow up known abdominal or retroperitoneal abnormalities;
• For cirrhosis/chronic liver disease and HCC screening, evaluation of portal hypertension/ascites,
or jaundice, consider order change to US Liver (and reference appropriate protocol).
CONTRAINDICATIONS:
No absolute contraindications
EQUIPMENT:
Curvilinear array transducer with a frequency range of approximately 1-9 MHz that allows for
appropriate penetration and resolution depending on patient’s body habitus.
PATIENT PREPARATION:
• Patient should be NPO for 4-6 hours prior to study, allowing for distention of gallbladder and
decrease in bowel gas.
EXAMINATION:
GENERAL GUIDELINES:
A complete examination includes evaluation of the entire liver, gallbladder/bile ducts, pancreas,
and right kidney.
For cirrhosis/chronic liver disease and HCC screening, evaluation of portal hypertension/ascites,
or jaundice, consider having order changed to US Liver (and reference appropriate protocol).
EXAM INITIATION:
• Review any prior imaging, making note of abnormalities requiring evaluation.
• Introduce yourself to the patient
• Verify patient identity using patient name and DOB
• Explain test
