General Abdominal and Pelvic Ultrasound
Plan a question-led examination.
Why this matters
Abdominal and pelvic symptoms may have several possible causes, and an ultrasound examination needs to address the referral question systematically. Preparation, anatomy, patient factors and technical limitations all influence what can be assessed. Incomplete coverage or unclear documentation can leave the next clinician uncertain about what was examined and what remains unresolved.
This course links a structured approach to scanning with recognition of normal anatomy, image quality and examination limits. It encourages learners to consider preparation and consent, communicate sensitively during pelvic examinations and record findings within their competence. Knowing when an examination is limited or requires further review supports appropriate follow-up and helps the clinical team use the ultrasound information responsibly.
What you will learn
- Plan a question-led examination.
- Describe systematic abdominal assessment.
- Recognise renal and urinary assessment limitations.
- Apply consent to pelvic approaches.
- Evaluate image adequacy and uncertainty.
- Document and escalate significant findings.
Your route through the course
6 lessons + final assessmentSelect a lesson to view its details.
01Plan the examinationNot started
Plan a question-led examination.
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02Abdominal anatomy and surveyNot started
Describe systematic abdominal assessment.
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03Renal urinary and vascular questionsNot started
Recognise renal and urinary assessment limitations.
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04Pelvic approaches and respectful careNot started
Apply consent to pelvic approaches.
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05Adequacy before interpretationNot started
Evaluate image adequacy and uncertainty.
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06Reporting and escalationNot started
Document and escalate significant findings.
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20 questions · 30 minutes · Pass: 90%
Who this course is for
This course is for radiographers, sonographers, medical imaging students and imaging support staff who want to strengthen their knowledge of general abdominal and pelvic ultrasound.
Prerequisite: Courses 02 29 and 30 recommended.
Scope and professional boundaries
Knowledge of examination planning, anatomy, technical adequacy and safe communication. Independent scanning and diagnostic interpretation require supervised training and credentialing. Practical pathway Upcoming.
References
- AIUM Abdominal and general ultrasound resources ↗
- AIUM Ultrasound examination of the female pelvis 2020 ↗
- FDA Ultrasound imaging ↗
- HPCZ National Healthcare Standards for Zambia Third edition February 2026 ↗
- HPCZ Obtaining Patients Informed Consent Ethical Considerations First edition March 2016 ↗
- Zambia Data Protection Act No 3 of 2021 ↗
- IAEA Diagnostic radiology physics handbook for teachers and students 2014 ↗
- ASRT Practice standards for medical imaging and radiation therapy June 2026 ↗
- Resuscitation Council UK The ABCDE approach updated July 2024 ↗
- AIUM Transducer cleaning preparation and gel guidance 2025 revision ↗
- ACSQHC Informed consent practical guidance for clinicians 2026 ↗
- Society and College of Radiographers Intimate examinations and chaperone policy third edition 2023 ↗
- WHO Patient safety incident reporting and learning systems 2020 ↗
