Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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Abdominal Ultrasound
Overview & Description
Abdominal ultrasound is a technique that uses high-frequency sound waves, or ultrasounds, to examine soft tissues such as the abdominal organs. This test can provide information about the liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and urinary bladder. It can detect some abdominal masses. An abdominal ultrasound can also be used to view blood flow to the abdominal organs.
Who is a candidate for the test?
An abdominal ultrasound may be done for a number of reasons, including the following:
In some cases, an abdominal ultrasound is used to diagnose or monitor a woman's pregnancy. This procedure is known as a pregnancy ultrasound.
How is the test performed?
A liquid gel is applied to the person's abdomen to help transmit sounds. A transducer, which is like a microphone, is placed on the abdomen. The transducer is connected to a computer that converts the signals into images. A Doppler ultrasound may also be used to check movement in organs, such as blood flowing through blood vessels.